"I must," said Andrew simply.
Frobisher leaned forward and touched his arm.
"You have grit, Allinson. It will be a tough fight, but I feel that you'll make good."
He changed the subject abruptly, and they talked of other matters until they went back to the drawing-room. Some time afterward there was a knock at the door, and Geraldine, opening it, held out a telegram to Andrew.
"It's from the assayer; I left word at the settlement for the message to be sent on," he explained. "You will excuse my opening it?"
"Of course," said Geraldine. "May it bring you good news!"
Andrew tore open the envelope, and there was an exultant tone in his voice as he read out:
"Specimens unpromising."
Frobisher and Geraldine looked puzzled.
"But you seem satisfied," the girl said.