“Yes, you need me in your business!” scoffed Ashton.
“Your employer’s business,” rejoined the engineer. He straightened up from the packs that he was lashing together and gazed gravely at his scowling assistant. “See here, Mr. Ashton, this is no time for you to raise 293 a row. We shall have quite enough else to think about from now on, until we are up again out of the cañon.”
“I’ve enough to think about––and more!” muttered Ashton.
“Understand? I’m not asking anything of you for myself,” said Blake. “You are doing this survey for your employer.”
“I’m here because of her!” retorted the younger man. “I’m here to make it certain that no harm is to come to her!”
Blake smiled. “Good for you! I hardly thought you were here for the fun of it. You are going to prove to us that you have the makings. We’re both working for her, Lafe. I don’t mind telling you now that I am planning to do something big for her.” He looked up the ravine wall, his eyes aglow with tenderness. “Belle! dear little Belle! To think that after all these years––”
“Shut up!” cried Ashton. “Stop that! stop it, and get to work! I know what you’re planning to do! Don’t talk to me!”
Blake stared in astonishment. “Didn’t think you were so sore over that old affair. I told you I had nothing to do about your father’s––”
“Don’t talk to me! don’t talk to me!” frantically cried Ashton. “You ruined me! Now her!”
“Lord! If you’re as sore as all that!” rejoined Blake, his eyes hardening. “Look here, Mr. Ashton, 294 we’ll settle this when we get up on top again. Meantime, I shall do my work, and I shall see to it that you do yours. Understand?”