The grin became an audible chuckle. "I don't understand it. Orcutt must have cleared out so quick he don't know the deal is off." Then he called a messenger and sent two telegrams. The first in answer to the one just received.
"Double your force and hurry road to completion in shortest possible time. Allow all Eureka Paper Company goods to be delivered as fast as received. Facilitate delivery same to mill site in every way possible."
The other telegram was to the home office of the engineering firm and read:
"Hold off on purchase of material for mill until further notice.
Writing full particulars."
Then he closed his desk and went home where, a few minutes later, his daughter found him packing his outfit in a well worn duffle bag.
XXI
Ever since Jean's outburst of passion upon the day of Hedin's arrest, a certain constraint had settled upon father and daughter that amounted, at times, to an actual coldness. Neither had mentioned the name of Hedin in the other's hearing, but each evening at dinner, which was the only meal at which they met, the studied silence with which the girl devoted herself to her food bespoke plainer than words that the thought of him was never out of her head.
So it was with some measure of surprise that Old John looked up from his packing at the girl's question: "Where are you going, Dad?"
"North, into Canada. I've business there that needs my attention."
"Will you take me with you?"