At seven she descended from her room in answer to his call, to find him pacing the hotel parlor, his jaw set stubbornly.
"What luck?" she demanded.
"You spoke with the tongue of a prophet. Money has suddenly become very scarce in Seattle."
"How many banks did you try?"
"Three. I shall try the rest to-morrow. How did you fare?"
"First blood is mine. I feel that I shall capture Mr. Hilliard. Now, no more business, do you understand? No, you are not to mention the subject again. You need a rest. Do you know that your face is haggard and drawn? You are tired out."
After a moment's pause, he acknowledged: "I believe I am. I—I am very glad you have come, Cherry."
CHAPTER XIV
IN WHICH THEY RECOGNIZE THE ENEMY
Boyd Emerson slept well that night, notwithstanding the disturbing occurrences of the day, for during the evening Cherry had tactfully diverted him from all mention of business, trusts, or canneries, much as a good physical director, on the eve of a contest, relieves the grinding monotony of an athlete's training. The brain, after all, is but flesh and blood, and, like the muscles, requires rest; an unbroken intensity of contemplation tends inevitably to weariness and pessimism.