"We don't strike it again."
"Then how do you get to the intake location?"
"We don't get to the intake you located at all. We strike your canal three miles farther up."
The Company's chief engineer retorted hotly: "But you can't do that.
Our survey shows"—he stopped.
"Your survey shows what?" came Abe Lee's sharp challenge. "You are undoubtedly familiar with the data turned in by your man Black, for you told Mr. Worth the quality of the soil before he closed the deal. What else does your survey show?"
Before the engineer could answer, Jefferson Worth's cool voice broke in. "You understand, Mr. Holmes, that there is nothing in my contract with your Company that binds me to follow the line of your survey or accept your location of the intake. The Company contracts to deliver the water into my canal, that is all."
The engineer regained control of himself. "I beg your pardon, Mr. Worth; and yours, Lee. I forgot myself. I see that my man Black made a mistake."
Abe laughed dryly. "In checking over Black's work, Holmes, I found his elevations correct at every point."
Holmes himself smiled as he said: "Well, Lee, whether you believe me or not, I am very glad you checked over Black's work, and, Mr. Worth, with all my heart I wish you success in your project."
"Thank you," said Worth, "I am already indebted to you for a valuable piece of information."