Mr. North did not equivocate; he never lied when the truth would answer the purpose equally well.
"He is out on the extension; or more correctly speaking, somewhere beyond the present end of the construction telegraph line. I'm afraid you couldn't reach him by wire."
"And the president?" queried the visitor.
"Mr. Colbrith's car is at the end-of-track. You wished to join the party in the Nadia?"
"That is what I had in mind," said Adair, not too anxiously.
Mr. North shook his head.
"I don't think you'd enjoy the run over the construction track. Mr. Colbrith went over it last night because—well, because he believes it to be a presidential duty to inspect everything. If you leave to-day, you will probably meet the Nadia coming out—possibly at Saint's Rest."
Adair suddenly became wary.
"Perhaps that would be the easy thing to do," he said. "I suppose the engineers at Saint's Rest could put me up if I have to stay over night?"
"You needn't ask them. You will have my car—with the best cook this side of Louisiana. Keep it, live in it, till Mr. Colbrith picks you up on his return."