“It is true,” said Helen.  “Your views are larger than mine.”

“Well,” said Festing, smiling.  “I don’t often let myself go and look far ahead.  It’s my share to tackle the job before my eyes; to drive the tractor plow, and the grading scoop along the road reserve.  For all that, it’s not a vague sense of duty that really drives me on; I must work, I’m unhappy when I stop!  I’m afraid I’ll always feel like that. what are we going to do about it?”

“You must let me help more.”

“I need help; that’s something I have learned, and nobody can help like you.  But the strain will slacken soon.  The things that will make life easier for you are coming fast; branch railroads, telephones, busy little towns, neighbors, and social amusements.  Much that you enjoyed in England will surround you on the plains.  But it will not come as a gift, as it did at home; we will have worked for and made it possible.”

Helen got up.  Her color was higher than usual and her eyes sparkled.  She was romantic and Festing had struck the right note, with rude sincerity and unconscious power.  She saw visions of the future and the dignity of the immediate task.  In this wide, new country, man needed woman’s help, and her part was as large as his.  Like Sadie, and many another, she heard the call for Pioneers.  Crossing the door she stood by Festing’s bunk.

“I understand it all, Stephen.  We must be patient and allow for small differences in our points of view, for I think, in the main, we see together.  You must never leave me out again; I want to do my part.”

Festing said nothing, but he pressed her hand and she kissed him.

CHAPTER XXXI

CHARNOCK’S TRIUMPH

Six weeks after the accident Musgrave and Charnock came into the shack one evening.  The former had examined Festing in the afternoon, and Helen gave him a meaning look.  It hinted that she had expected his visit and meant to encourage him.

“Come near the stove and smoke if you like.  It is very cold.”

“No sign of the frost’s breaking, I suppose?” said Festing, who lay propped up with pillows.  “Did you get the particulars I asked for, Bob?”

Charnock gave him a paper with some calculations, and after a time he nodded.

“On the whole, this is satisfactory; things are going better than I thought.  But what about the new job across the river?”

“Things are going better than he thought!  Isn’t that like Stephen?” Charnock remarked to the others, and then turned to Festing.  “However, I expect you didn’t mean to be rude and you never were very tactful.  We haven’t begun the job you mentioned, but I don’t know that it matters since we’re busy at something else, and that’s not what I want to talk about.  Musgrave has examined you and gives us an encouraging report.”

“My opinion is that he can be moved and the journey home won’t hurt him if proper care is used.”