That evening Lee climbed in his car and drove away from camp. Carrigan had said nothing, but he as well as Bryant knew the company's bank account was drained; he would expect a settlement and when it was made, discharge the crews, pull up stakes, and move his property to Kennard. At Sarita Creek Bryant alighted.
"I wish to see Ruth," he told Imogene. "Is she away? Her cabin is dark and I obtained no answer to my knock."
"She's gone to town."
"Well, I wanted to tell her I've failed. Work stops to-morrow. Out of money. And less than two miles to build!"
Imogene's face became a picture of dismay.
"Oh, no, Lee! There must be some way to go on, some place to obtain money," she cried.
"None. I've tried, but have reached the end of my rope. Only twenty thousand more needed, or maybe twenty-five. Just enough to hammer through during the next two weeks. But it might as well be a million. I decided to inform Ruth at once; she might consider it important."
"She would," said she, positively.
"I haven't been to Sarita Creek before since you returned. You can guess why."
"Yes."