He might be
able to maintain work on the dam for awhile, but in the end lack of
adequate finances would defeat us. And I have no right to ask Bill to
sacrifice the profit on this job which your father is willing to pay
him, in return for a cancellation of the contract; I have no right to
ask or expect Bill Conway to risk a penniless old age for me. You see,
I attacked him at his weakest point--his heart. It was selfish of me."
She could not combat this argument, so she said nothing and for a
quarter of a mile her companion rode with his chin on his breast, in
silence. What a man of moods he was, she reflected.
"You despair of being able to pay my father the mortgage and regain
your ranch?" she asked, at length.
He nodded.
"But you'll fight to win--and fight to the finish, will you not?" she
persisted.
He glanced at her sharply. "That is my natural inclination, Miss
Kay--when I permit sentiment to rule me. But when I apply the
principles of sound horse sense--when I view the approach of the
conflict as a military man would view it, I am forced to the conviction
that in this case discretion is the better part of valor. Battles are
never won by valorous fools who get themselves killed in a spectacular
manner."
"I see. You plan to attempt the sale of your equity in the ranch
before my father can finally foreclose on you."
"No, that would be the least profitable course to pursue.
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