“No, a big warehouse company; I’ll get the buildings later on.  That Mukton Lode deal was a clear skin game, Jack, if it is your uncle, and A. B. & Co. got paid up for it—­downtown and uptown.  You ought to hear the boys at the Magnolia talk about it.  My scheme is not that kind; I’m on the ground floor; got some of the promoter’s stock.  When you are through with your railroad contract and get your money, let me know.  I can show you a thing or two;—­ open your eyes!  No Wall Street racket, remember,—­just a plain business deal.”

“There won’t be much money left over, Garry, from the ‘fill’ and tunnel work, if we keep on.  We ought to have a cyclone next to finish up with; we’ve had about everything else.”

“You’re all through, Jack,” replied Garry with emphasis.

“I’ll believe that when I see it,” said Jack with a smile.

“I tell you, Jack, you are all through.  Do you understand?  Don’t ask me any questions and I won’t tell you any lies.  The first thing that strikes you will be a check, and don’t you forget it!”

Jack’s heart gave a bound.  The information had come as a surprise and without his aid, and yet it was none the less welcome.  The dreaded anxiety was over; he knew now what the verdict of the Council would be.  He had been right from the first in this matter, and Garry had not failed despite the strong political pressure which must have been brought against him.  The new work now would go on and he and Ruth could go to Morfordsburg together!  He could already see her trim, lovely figure in silhouette against the morning light, her eyes dancing, her face aglow in the crisp air of the hills.

Garry continued to talk on as they sped into the city, elaborating the details of the warehouse venture in which he had invested his present and some of his future commissions, but his words fell on stony ground.  The expected check was the only thing that filled Jack’s thoughts.  There was no doubt in his mind now that the decision would be in MacFarlane’s favor, and that the sum, whether large or small, would be paid without delay,—­Garry being treasurer and a large amount of money being still due McGowan on the embankment and boulevard.  It would be joyous news to Ruth, he said to himself, with a thrill surging through his heart.

Jack left Garry on the Jersey side and crossed alone.  The boy loved the salt air in his face and the jewelled lights flashed from the ever-restless sea.  He loved, too, the dash and vim of it all.  Forcing his way through the crowds of passengers to the forward part of the boat, he stood where he could get the full sweep of the wonderful panorama: