The girl smiled and put out a slim hand. "I've heard all about you—did you make all this?" Her brown eyes roved, taking in the great sweep of rising structures.
"In a way, yes," he laughed, "that is I did what I was told."
"Mr. Belding is chief engineer," put in the judge assuringly.
She nodded. "You told me. I—I think it's rather wonderful. If anything had to happen to the rapids, this is just right."
Belding made no immediate answer. He was studying the girl's face, her supple figure, and the intelligence that marked every expression. It struck him that she was meant to be some man's comrade.
"I'm glad you like it," he said a little awkwardly, "there's lots more to come."
The judge touched Elsie's arm. "That's what I want to hear about at the block house, and I hope you'll have supper with us next Sunday, Mr. Belding. I hear you are too busy for a weekday diversion."
Elsie smiled approval and they turned down the long embankment.
Belding looked after them with a shade of resentment. She was, he had decided, just like her photograph. In the distance he had seen Clark walking quickly towards his visitors. They met a hundred yards away and Clark's eyes began to twinkle.
"How do you do. I seem to know you quite well already."