He believed this, or at least he strove to convince himself that he did, but he was relieved when the appearance of Acton, who strolled towards them, rendered any further confidential conversation out of the question. Gordon set out for Victoria that afternoon, and Nasmyth, who went with him to the railroad, returned to Bonavista in a restless mood, and almost disposed to be angry with his comrade for having rudely broken in upon his tranquillity. In fact, he felt disinclined to face his fellow-guests, which was one reason why he was sauntering towards the inlet when he came upon Wisbech sitting with a book in the shadow of the pines. Wisbech looked up at his moody face.
“You are annoyed because Gordon wouldn’t stay?” he suggested.
“No,” said Nasmyth. “In fact, I’m a little relieved that he has gone away. I naturally like Gordon, but just now he has an unsettling effect on me.”
Wisbech made a gesture of comprehension. “That man,” he said, “is in some respects fortunate. He has a simple programme, and is evidently more or less content with it. His work is plain in front of him. You are not quite sure about yours yet. To some extent, you feel yourself adrift?”
“I have felt something of the kind.”
Wisbech thought for a moment. “I suppose,” he said, “it hasn’t occurred to you that your classical features––they’re Nasmyth features––might be of some assistance to you in your career?”
Nasmyth felt the blood rise into his face, but he 203 laughed. “They certainly haven’t proved of any great benefit to me hitherto. It is scarcely likely that they will do so either in the cañon.”
“Then you are still determined on directing operations in person? I was commencing to wonder if you had any reason for modifying your plans.”
The man’s tone was dry, but Nasmyth met his gaze, which was now inquisitive.
“If it is in my power to do it, I shall certainly run the water out of the valley,” said Nasmyth.