“This was one time that Brenchfield allowed himself to be advised and led.
“‘Here,––take the back way,’ I went on, ‘the way you came, through the timber. Walk till you get to Newtown, then drop on to a Vancouver car and in. Then up the main line by to-night’s train, and lie quiet.’
“Brenchfield stopped at the door and offered me his hand.
“‘You won’t hold a grudge against me for this?’ he asked.
“‘Never a grudge!’ I said.
“‘You won’t let it interfere with our plans for the future, Phil?’
“‘No,––for you’ll have learned your lesson.’
“‘And we’re still partners?’
“I wasn’t quite so sure about that part of it, but a look in Brenchfield’s face made me relent.
“‘Partners,––yes, Graham,––if you still wish it,’ I said.