"But you can't move yet, Dale; and besides, what will Mr. Wilbur think, after all he has done for us? Of course we could write to him and tell him just how matters stood. But still he might think——"
"I don't think he'd blame us, for he knows that we are willing to do what is right."
"But Balasco is his partner."
"Yes, that's the worst part of it. A man in business has often to stick up for his partner's doings, even if he doesn't wish to."
"We can leave later on."
"Yes, we can do that, and tell Mr. Wilbur that we have given Mr. Balasco a fair trial, eh?"
The next day came letters for over a score of men in the camp. There was one communication in a plain envelope for Owen, and it was marked Personal.
"Hullo, who can be sending me such a letter as this?" cried the young lumberman.
"Evidently it is meant just for you alone, Owen. It must be from your best girl," added Dale jokingly.
"Well, if it is, I'd like to know who she is," answered Owen, and opened the communication.