"Sold out! Sorry! They're going to shove a railroad in here and begin cutting."
A smothered oath broke from the lips of the Emperor. Gordon came near to him and whispered:
"Sile," said he, "don't swear before the kids. I'm bad enough, but I've always been careful about that. Going to leave 'em here if you'll let me."
"G-good—" The Emperor stopped short and his voice fell into thoughtful silence.
As they came in sight of the little clearing and the tent and cabins of Lost River camp, Sue and Socky ran ahead of the men.
"I'm in trouble," Gordon went on. "My account at the mill is overdrawn. They've pushed me to the verge of madness. I must have a little help."
The woodsman stopped and put his hand on the shoulder of Gordon.
"Been f-foolish, Dick?" said he, kindly.
"I'm done with that. I want to begin new. I need a little money to throw to the wolves."
"How m-much?"