Classic Audiobook Collection - The Protector by Harold Bindloss ~ Full Audiobook [adventure]

Starting point is 00:00:00 the protector by harold binloss chapter i a friend in need a light breeze was blowing down the inlet scented with the smell of the firs and the tiny ripples it chased across the water splashed musically against the boughs of the canoe there was a thud as the blade struck the water and the long light hull forged onwards with slightly lifted bird's-head prow while the two men swung forward for the next stroke with a rhythmic grace of motion they knelt facing forward in the bottom of the craft and dissimilar as they were in features and to some extent in character the likeness between them was stronger than the difference both bore the unmistakable stamp of a wholesome life spent in vigorous labor in the open their eyes were clear and like those of most bushmen singularly steady their skin was weather darkened and they were leanly muscular on either side of the lane of green water giant firs cedars and balsams crept down the rocky hills to the whitened driftwood fringe they formed part of the great coniferous forest which rolls westwards from the wet coast range of canada's pacific province and overleaping the strait spreads across the rugged and beautiful wilderness of vancouver island ahead clusters of little frame houses showed up here and there in the openings among the trees and a small sloop towards which the canoe was heading lay anchored near the wharf the men had plied the paddle during most of that day from inclination rather than necessity because they could have hired siwash indians to undertake the labor for them had they been so minded

Starting point is 00:02:04 they were though their appearance did not suggest it moderately prosperous but their prosperity was of recent date and they had been accustomed to doing everything for themselves as are most of the men who dwell among the woods and ranges of british columbia vane who knelt nearest the boughs was twenty-seven years of age and he had spent nine of them chopping trees driving cattle pulling canoes and assisting in the search for useful minerals among the snow-clad ranges he wore a wide gray felt hat which had lost its shape from frequent weddings an old shirt of the same color and blue duck trousers rent in place but the light attire revealed a fine muscular symmetry. He had brown hair and brown eyes, and a certain warmth of coloring which showed through the deep bronze of his skin hinted at a sanguine and somewhat impatient temperament. His companion, Carol, had lighter hair and gray eyes,

Starting point is 00:03:15 and his appearance was a little less vigorous and a little more refined, though he too had toiled hard and borne many privations in the wilderness his dress resembled veins the two had located a valuable mineral property some months earlier and though this does not invariably follow had held their own against city financiers during the negotiations that preceded the floating of a company to work the mine that they had succeeded in securing a good deal of the stock was largely due to vane's pertinacity and said something for his acumen but both had been trained in a very hard school as the wooden houses ahead rose higher and the sloop's gray hull grew into sharper shape upon the clear green shining of the brine vane broke into a snatch of song had i the wings of a dove i would fly just for to-night to the old country he stopped and laughed it's nine years since i've seen it but i can't get those lines out of my head perhaps it's because of the girl who sang them somehow i felt sorry for her she had remarkably fine eyes sea blue said his companion i don't grasp the connection between the last two remarks neither do i vain admitted i suppose there isn't one but they weren't sea blue unless you mean the depth of indigo when you're out of sounding they're irish eyes you're not irish there's not a trace of the celt in you unless it's your habit of getting indignant with the folks who don't share your views

Starting point is 00:05:13 no sir answered vain by birth i'm north country england i mean over there we're respectable before everything and smart at getting hold of whatever's worth having as a matter of fact you ontario scotsman are mighty like us you certainly came out well ahead of those city men who put up the dollars said carroll i guess it's in the blood though i fancied they would take the mine from you vain brought his paddle down with a thud just for to-night to the old country he hummed and added it sticks to one why did you leave the old country that's a blamed injudicious question to ask but you shall have an answer there was a row at home i was a sentimentalist then and just eighteen and as the result of it i came out to canada his voice changed and grew softer i hadn't many relatives and except one sister they're all gone now that reminds me she's not going to lecture for the county education authorities any longer the sloop was close ahead and slackening the paddling they ran alongside vane glanced at his watch when they had climbed on board supper will be finished at the hotel he remarked you had better get the stove lighted it's your turn and that rascally sigh-wash seems to have gone off again

Starting point is 00:07:00 if he's not back when we're ready we'll sail without him carroll accordingly prepared the meal and when they had finished it they lay on deck smoking with a content which was not altogether accounted for by a satisfied appetite they had spent several anxious months during which they had come very near the end of their slender resources arranging for the exploitation of the mine and now at last the work was over. Vane had that day made his final plans for the construction of a road and wharf, by which the ore could be economically shift for reduction, or, as the alternative to this, for the erection of a small smelting plant. They had bought the sloop as a convenient means of conveyance and shelter, since they could live in some comfort on board. Now they could take their ease for a while, which was a very unusual thing to both of them. "'I suppose you're bent on sailing this craft back,' Carol said at length.

Starting point is 00:08:09 "'We could hire a couple of siwash to take her home while we rode across the island and got the cars to Victoria. Besides, there's that steamboat coming down the coast to-night.' "'Either way would cost a good deal extra,' Vane pointed out. that's true carol agreed with an amused look you could charge it to the company vane laughed you and i have a big stake in the concern and i haven't got used to spending money unnecessarily yet i've been mighty glad to earn two-fifty by working from sun-up until dark though i didn't always get it afterwards so of you how are you going to dispose of your dollars then you have a balance in cash as well as the shares it has occurred to me that i might spend a few months in the old country have you ever been over i was across some time ago but if you would sooner i went with you i'll come along we could start as soon as we've arranged the few matters left open in vancouver

Starting point is 00:09:24 vain was glad to hear it he knew little about carol's antecedents but the latter was obviously a man of education and they had been comrades for the last three years during that time they had learnt to trust each other and to bear with each other's idiosyncrasies filling his pipe again as he lay in the fading sunlight vane looked back on the nine years he had passed in canada and allowing for the periods of exposure to cold and wet and the almost ceaseless toil he admitted that he might have spent them more unpleasantly having quarrelled with his relatives he had come out with only a few pounds and had promptly set about earning a living with his hands when he had been in the country several years however a friend of the family had sent him a small sum and the young man had made a judicious use of the money. The lot he bought outside a wooden town doubled in value, and the share he took in a new orchard paid him well. But he had held aloof from the cities, and his only recklessness had been prospecting journeys into the wilderness. Prospecting for minerals is at once an art and a gamble, but even in this direction,

Starting point is 00:10:51 in which he had keen wits against him, Vane had held his own, but there was one side of life with which he was practically unacquainted. There are no social amenities, on the range side or in the bush, and women are scarce. Vane had lived in Spartan simplicity.

Starting point is 00:11:13 His passions had remained unstirred, and now he was seven and twenty, sound and vigorous of body, and, as a rule, level of head. At length, however, there was to be a change. He had earned an interlude of leisure, and he meant to enjoy it, without, as he prudently determined, making a fool of himself. Presently, Carol took his pipe from his mouth.

Starting point is 00:11:42 Are you going ashore to the show tonight? he asked. Yes. said vane lazily it's a long while since i've struck another entertainment of any kind and that yellow-haired mites dancing is one of the prettiest things i've seen you've been twice already carol pointed out the girl with the blue eyes sings her first song rather well i think so vain agreed with a significant absence of embarrassment in this case a good deal depends upon the singing the interpretation don't they call it the things on the border and i've struck places where they've made it gross but the girl only brought out the mischief strikes me she didn't see there was anything else in it that's curious considering the crowd she goes about with carol suggested aren't you cultivating a critical faculty vain disregarded the ironical question she's irish that accounts for a good deal he paused and looked thoughtful if i knew how to do it i'd like to give the child who dances five dollars it must be a tough life and her mother the woman at the piano looks ill i wonder why they came to a place like this struck a cold streak at nanamo the storekeeper told me carol replied

Starting point is 00:13:20 anyway since we're to start at sun up i'm staying here then he smiled has it struck you that your attendance in the front seats is liable to misconception his companion rose without answering and dropped into the canoe thrusting her off he drove the craft towards the wharf with vigorous strokes and carol shook his head whimsically as he watched him anybody except myself would conclude that he was waking up at last he said a minute or two later vane swung himself up on to the wharf and strode into the wooden settlement there were one or two hydraulic mines and a pulp mill in the vicinity and though the place was by no means populous a company of third-rate entertainers had arrived some days earlier on reaching the rude wooden building in which they had given their performance and finding it closed he accosted a lounger what's become of the show he asked busted replied the man didn't take the boy's fancy and the crowds went out with the stage this afternoon though i heard that two of the women stayed behind vain turned away with a slight sense of compassion he however dismissed the matter from his mind and having been kneeling in a cramped position in the canoe most of the day decided to stroll along the water-side before going back to the night and having been kneeling in a cramped position in the canoe most of the day decided to stroll along the water-side before going back to to the sloop. Great firs stretched out their somber branches over the smooth shingle, and now the

Starting point is 00:15:08 sun had gone, their clean, resinous smell was heavy on the dew-cooled air. Here and there brushwood grew among outcropping rock, and catching sight of what looked like a stripe of woven fabric beneath a brake, he strode towards it. Then he stopped with a start, for a young woman lay with her face hidden from him in an attitude of dejected abandonment. He was about to turn away softly, when she started and looked up at him. Her eyes were wet, but they were of the deep blue he had described to Carol, and he stood still. "'You shouldn't give way like that,' he said. It was all he could think of, but he spoke without obtrusive assurance, or pronounced embarrassment.

Starting point is 00:16:00 and the girl, who shook out her crumpled skirt over one little foot with a swift movement, choked back a sob, and favored him with a glance of keen scrutiny as she rose to a sitting posture. She was quick at reading character, the life she had led made that necessary, and his manner and appearance were reassuring. She, however, said nothing, and sitting down on a neighbor of her, Boulder, he took out his pipe from force of habit. Well, he added, in much the same tone as he would have used to a distressed child, What's the trouble? She told him, speaking on impulse.

Starting point is 00:16:46 They've gone off and left me. The takings didn't meet expenses. That's bad, said Vane gravely. Do you mean they've left you alone? "'No,' replied the girl. "'In a way, it's worse than that. "'I suppose I could go somewhere, "'but there's Mrs. Marvin and Elsie.' "'The child who danced?' "'The girl assented, and vain looked thoughtful.

Starting point is 00:17:19 "'The three of you stick together,' he suggested. "'Of course, Mrs. Marvin's the only friend I have.' then i suppose you've no idea what to do his companion confessed it and explained that it was the cause of her distress and that they had had bad luck of late vain could understand that as he looked at her her dress was shabby and he fancied she had not been bountily fed if you stayed here a few days you could go out with the next stage and get on to victoria with the cars he said he paused and continued diffidently it could be arranged with the hotel keeper she laughed in a half-hysterical manner, and he remembered that fares were high in the country. "'I suppose you have no money,' he added, with blunt directness. "'I want you to tell Mrs. Marvin that I'll lend her enough to take you all to Victoria.'

Starting point is 00:18:28 Her face crimsoned, which was not quite what he had expected, and he suddenly felt embarrassed. "'No,' she replied, "'I can't do that. For one thing, it would be too late when we got to Victoria. I think we could get an engagement if we reached Vancouver in time to get to Cam Loops by... Vane knitted his brows when he heard the date, and it was a moment or two before he spoke. Then, he said,

Starting point is 00:19:01 there's only one way you can do so. There's a little steamboat coming down the coast tonight, and I had half thought of intercepting her and handing the skipper some letters to post in Victoria. He knows me. That's my sloop, yonder, and if I put you on board the steamer, you'd reach Vancouver in good time.

Starting point is 00:19:23 We would have sailed at sun-up anyway. The girl hesitated, which struck vain as natural, and turned partly from him. He surmised that she did not know what to make of his offer, though her need was urgent. in the meanwhile he stood up come along and talk it over with mrs marvin he went on i'd better tell you i'm wallace vane of the clermont mine of course i know your name from the program she rose and they walked back to the hotel once more it struck him that the girl was pretty and graceful on reaching the hotel he sat down in the veranda while she went in and a few minutes later the elder woman came out and looked at him much as the girl had done he grew hot under her gaze and repeated his offer in the curtest terms

Starting point is 00:20:25 if this breeze holds we'll put you on board the steamer soon after daybreak he explained the woman's face softened and he recognized now that there had been suspicion in it thank you she added we'll come then she added with an eloquent gesture you don't know what it means to us vain merely took off his hat and turned away but a minute or two afterwards he met the hotel keeper do these people owe you anything he asked five dollars answered the man vane handed him a bill take it out of this and make any excuse you like i'm going to put them on board the steamboat the man made no comment and vane said he striding down to the beach, sent a hail ringing across the water. Carol appeared on the sloop's deck and answered him. "'Hello!' he cried. "'What's the trouble?'

Starting point is 00:21:33 "'Get ready for the best supper you can manage for three people as quick as you can.' Then he turned away in a hurry, wondering, rather uneasily, what Carol would say when he grasped the situation. End of Chapter 1. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 2 of The Protector by Harold Bindluss. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline.

Starting point is 00:22:11 The Protector by Harold Bindlis. Chapter 2. A Breeze of Wind There were signs of a change in the weather when Vain walked down to the wharf with his passengers, for a cold wind which had sprung up struck an eerie sighing from the somber furs and sent the white mists streaming along the hillside there was a watery moon in the sky and on reaching the end of the wharf vain fancied that the singer hesitated but the elder woman laid her hand upon the girl's arm reassuringly and she got into the canoe in a few minutes vain ran the craft alongside her hand upon the girl's arm reassuringly and she got into the canoe in a few minutes vain ran the craft alongside the sloop and saw the amazement in carol's face by the glow from the cabin skylight he however fancied that his comrade would rise to the occasion and he handed his guests up my partner carol mrs marvin and her daughter miss kitty blake you have seen them already he said they're coming down with us to catch the steamer carol bowed and vain

Starting point is 00:23:26 who thrust back the cabin slide, motioned the others below. The place was brightly lighted by a nickeled lamp, though it was scarcely four feet high, and the centerboard trunk occupied the middle of it. A wide, cushioned locker ran along each side, a foot above the floor, and a swing table, fixed above the trunk, filled up most of the space between. There was no cloth upon the table,

Starting point is 00:23:55 but it was invitingly laid out with canned fruit, coffee, hot flapjacks, and a big lake trout. You must help yourselves while we get sail upon the boat, said Vane. The saloons at your disposal, my partner and I have the forecastle. You will notice there are blankets yonder, and as we'll have smooth water most of the way, you should get some sleep. He withdrew, closing the slide. and went forward with Carol to shorten in the cable. But when they stopped beside the bits, his companion broke into a soft laugh.

Starting point is 00:24:35 Is there anything to amuse you? Vane asked curtly. Well, said Carol, with an air of reflection, it strikes me you're making a rather unconventional use of your new prosperity, and it might be prudent to consider how your friends in Vancouver may regard the address, adventure. Vane sat down upon the bits and took out his pipe. One trouble in talking to you is that I never know whether you're in earnest or not.

Starting point is 00:25:07 You trot out your cold-blooded worldly wisdom, and then you grin at it. I think that's the only philosophic attitude, replied Carol. It's possible to grow furiously indignant with the restraints stereotyped people lay on one, but on the whole it's wiser to bow to them and chuckle. After all, they've some foundation. Vane looked up at him sharply. You've been right in the advice you have given me more than once. You seem to know how prosperous and what you call stereotyped folks look at things,

Starting point is 00:25:46 but you've never explained where you got the knowledge. That, said Carol, is quite another matter. anyway continued vain there's one remark of yours i'd like to answer you would no doubt consider i made a legitimate use of my money when i entertained that crowd of city people some of whom would have plundered me if they could have managed it in vancouver i didn't grudge it but i was a little astonished when i saw the wine and cigar bill it struck me that the best of them scarcely noticed what they got i think they'd been up against it at one time as we have and it would have done the rest of the guzzlers good if they'd had to work all day with a shovel on pork and flapjacks but we'll let that go what have you and i done that we should swill in champagne pain, while a girl with a face like that one below, and a child who dances like a fairy, haven't enough to eat. You know what I paid for the last cigars. What confounded hogs we are? Carol laughed outright. There was not an ounce of superfluous flesh upon his comrade,

Starting point is 00:27:06 who was hardened and toughened by determined labor, and the term hog appeared singularly inappropriate. Well, said Carol, you'll no doubt get used to the new conditions by and by, and in regard to your latest exploit, there's a motto on your insignia of the garter which might meet the case. But hadn't we better heave her over her anchor? They seized the chain, and as it ran below, a sharp musical rattle rang out, for the hollow hull flung back the metallic clinking like a sounding board. When the cable was shored up, they grasped the halliards, and the big gaff mainsail rose flapping up the mast.

Starting point is 00:27:55 They set it and turned to the headsills, for, though strictly speaking, a sloop only carries one, the term is loosely applied in places, and, as Vane had changed her rig, there were two of them. it's a fair wind and i expect we'll find more weight in it lower down said carol we'll let the stas hill lie and run her with the jib they set the jib and broke out the anchor vein took the helm and the sloop slanting over her until her deck on one side dipped close to the frothing brine drove away into the darkness the lights of the settlement faded among the trees and when carol coming aft flung a strip of canvas over the skylight his comrade could see the black hills and climbing firs on both sides slip by sliding vapour streaked them a crisp splashing sound made by the curling ripples followed the vessel the canoe surged along noisily astern and the frothing and gurgling grew louder at the boughs

Starting point is 00:29:07 they were running down one of the deep forest shrouded inlets which resembling the norwegian fjords pierce the pacific literal of canada i wonder how the wind is outside vane said carroll looked round and saw the white mists stream athwart the pines on a promontory they were skirting that's more than i can tell in these troughs among the hills it either blows straight up or directly down, and I dare say we'll find it different when we reach the sound. One thing's certain, there's some weight in it now. Vane nodded agreement, though an idea that troubled him crept into his mind. I understand the steamboat skipper will run into land some siwash he's bringing down. It will be awkward in the dark if the wind's on shore. Carol made no comment, and they drove on,

Starting point is 00:30:09 until, as they swept round the point, the sloop, slanting sharply, dipped her lee-rail in the froth. "'We'll have to tie down a reef,' he said. Vane told him to take the tiller, and scrambling forward, wrapped upon the cabin side, which he flung back. Mrs. Marvin lay upon the leeward locker with a blanket across her and the little girl at her feet miss Blake sat in the weather one with a book in her hand we're going to take some sail off the boat he said you needn't be disturbed by the noise when do you expect to meet the steamer miss Blake inquired not for two or three hours anyway vain answered with a hint of uncertainty in this voice

Starting point is 00:31:03 then as he fancied the girl had noticed it he closed the slide down helm he said to carroll and there was a banging and thrashing of canvas as the sloop came up into the wind they held her there with the jibba back while they hauled the canoe on board which was not an easy task and then with difficulty hove down a reef in the mainsail it was heavy work because there was nobody at the helm and the craft falling off once or twice as they leaned out upon the boom with toes on her depressed lee rail threatened to hurl them into the frothing water neither of them were trained sailors but on that coast with its inlets and sounds and rivers the wanderer learns to handle sail and paddle and canoe pole they finished their task and when vane seized the helm carol sat down under the shelter of the combing out of the flying spray we'll probably have some trouble putting your friends on board the steamer even if she runs in he remarked what are you going to do if there's no sign of her it's a question i've been shirking for the last half hour vain confessed i'd like to point out that it would be very slow work beating back up this inlet and if we did so there isn't a stage across the island for several days no doubt you remember you have to see that contractor on thursday and there's the director's meeting it's uncommonly awkward vain answered dubiously carol laughed it strikes me your guests will have to stay where they are whether they like it or not

Starting point is 00:32:59 but there's one consolation if this wind is from the northwest which is most likely it will be a fast run to victoria and now i'll try to get some sleep he disappeared down a scuttle forward leaving vain somewhat disturbed in mind he had merely contemplated taking his guests for a few hours run but to have them on board for perhaps several days was a very different thing besides he was far from sure that they would understand the necessity for the latter in which case the situation might become difficult in the meanwhile the sloop drove on until at last towards morning the beach fell back on each hand and she met the long swell tumbling in from the pacific the wind was from the north-west and blowing moderately hard there was no light yet in the sky above the black heights to the east of him and the swell grew higher and steeper breaking white here and there the sloop plunged over it wildly hurling the spray aloft and it cost him a determined effort to haul his sheets in as the wind drew ahead shortly afterwards the beach faded altogether on one hand and he saw that the sea was piled up into foaming ridges it seemed most improbable that the steamer would run in to land her indian passengers and he drove the sloop on with showers of stinging brine beating into her wet canvas and whirling about him by and by he noticed that a stream of smoke was pouring from the short funnel of the stove and soon afterwards the cabin slide opened

Starting point is 00:34:56 miss blake crept out and stood up in the well gazing forward while she clutched the combing day was now breaking and vane could see that her thin dress was blown flat against her there was something graceful in her pose and it struck him that she had a very pretty slender figure where's the steamer she asked it was a question vain had dreaded but he answered it was a question vain had dreaded but he answered it honestly. I can't tell you. It's very likely that she has gone straight on to Victoria. He read suspicion in her suddenly hardening face. You expected this when you asked us to come on board, she cried. No, said Vane, whose face grew hot. On my honor, I did nothing of the kind. There was only a moderate breeze when we left, and when it felt, freshened enough to make it unlikely that the steamer would run in, I was as vexed as you

Starting point is 00:36:01 seem to be. As it happened, I couldn't go back. I must get on to Victoria as soon as possible. She looked at him searchingly. Then what are we to do? she asked. There was distress in the cry, but vain answered it in his most matter-of-fact tone. So far as I can see, you can only reconcile yourself to staying on board. We'll have a fresh fair wind for Victoria, once we're round the next head, and with luck we ought to get there late tonight.

Starting point is 00:36:39 You're sure you'll be there, then? I'm sorry, I can't even promise that. It depends upon the weather, he replied. But you mustn't stand up in the spray. You're getting wet through. She still clung to the combing. but he fancied that her misgivings were vanishing and he spoke again how are mrs marvin and the little girl i see you have lighted the stove the girl sat down shivering in the partial shelter of the combing and at last a gleam of amusement which he thought was partly compassionate shown in her eyes

Starting point is 00:37:21 i'm afraid they're far from well that was why i lighted the fire i wanted to make them some tea i thought you wouldn't mind vain smiled everything's at your service go and get your breakfast and put on a coat you'll find below if you come out again she disappeared and vain felt relieved though the explanation had proved less difficult that he had anticipated, he was glad that it was over. Half an hour later, she appeared again, carrying a loaded tray, and he wondered at the ease of her movements, for the sloop was plunging viciously. "'I've brought you some breakfast. You've been up all night,' she said. Vane laughed.

Starting point is 00:38:15 As I can only take one hand from the helm, you will have to cut up the bread and can stuff for me. Draw that box out and sit down beneath the combing if you mean to stay. She did as he told her. The well was some four feet long, and the bottom of it about half that distance below the level of the deck. As the result of this, she sat close to his feet while he balanced himself on the combing, gripping the tiller.

Starting point is 00:38:48 He noticed that she had brought an oil-skin jacket with her. "'Hadn't you better put this on first? There's a good deal of spray,' she said. Vane struggled into the jacket with some difficulty, and she smiled as she handed him up a slice of bread and canned meat. "'I suppose,' she said, "'you can only manage one piece at once?' "'Thank you. That's about as much as you could expect one to be.

Starting point is 00:39:18 be capable of, even allowing for the Bushman's appetite. I'm surprised to see you looking so fresh. Oh, said the girl, I used to go out with the mackerel boats at home. We lived at the ferry. It was a mile across the lock, and with the wind westerly the sea worked in. The lock, said Vane. I told, Carol, you were from the green aisle. It struck him that this was perhaps imprudent, since it implied that they had been discussing her. But, on the other hand, he thought the candor of the statement was in his favor. Then he added,

Starting point is 00:40:02 Have you been long out here? Her face grew wistful. Four years, she answered, I came out with Larry, he's my brother. He was a forester at home, and he took small cun. for clearing land. Then he married, and I left him. Vane made a sign of comprehension. I see. Where's Larry now?

Starting point is 00:40:32 He went to Oregon. There was no answer to my last letter. I've lost sight of him. And you go about with Mrs. Marvin? Is her husband alive? Sudden anger flared up in the girl. girl's blue eyes though he knew it was not directed against him yes she said it's a pity he is men of his kind always seemed to live it occurred to vain that miss blake who had evidently a spice of temper could be a staunch partisan and he also noticed that now he had inspired her with some degree of trust in himself her conversation was marked by an ingenious can

Starting point is 00:41:18 for all that she changed the subject another piece or some tea she asked tea first said vain and they both laughed when she afterwards handed him a double slice of bread these sandwiches strike me as unusually nice he informed her it's exceptionally good tea too the blue eyes gleamed with amusement you have been in the cold all night but i was once in a restaurant she watched the effect of this statement on him you know i really can't sing i was never taught anyway though there were some of the settlements where we did rather well vain hummed a few bars of a song i don't suppose you realize what one ballad of yours has done i'd almost forgotten the old country but the night i heard you i felt i must go back and see it again what's more carol and i are going shortly it's your doing this was a matter of fact but kitty blake had produced a deeper effect on him although he was not aware of it yet it's a shame to keep you handing me things to eat he added disconnectedly still i'd like another piece she smiled delighted as she passed the food to him you can't help yourself and steer the boat besides after the restaurant i don't mind waiting on you vane made no comment but he watched her with satisfaction while he ate and as one result of it the sloop plunged heavily into the frothing sea there was no sign of the others and they were alone on the waste of tumbling water in the early dawn the girl was pretty and there was a pleasing daintiness about her

Starting point is 00:43:24 she belonged to the people there was no doubt of that but then vain had a strong faith in the people native-born and adopted of the pacific slope it was from them he had received the greatest kindnesses he could remember They were cheerful optimists, indomitable grapplers with forest and flood, who did almost incredible things with axe and saw and giant powder. They lived in lonely ranch houses, tents, and rudely flung up shacks, driving the new roads along the rain side, risking life and limb in wildcat addits. They were quick to laughter and reckless in hospitality. then with an effort he brushed the hazy thoughts away kitty blake was merely a guest of his in another day he would land her in victoria and that would be the end of it he was assuring himself of this when carrolled up through the scuttle forward and came aft to join them in spite of his prudent reflections vain was by no means certain that he was pleased to see him

Starting point is 00:44:42 End of Chapter 2. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 3 of The Protector by Harold Binluss. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. The Protector by Harold Binloss. Chapter 3. An afternoon ashore.

Starting point is 00:45:15 Half the day had slipped by when the breeze freshened further and the sun broke through. the sloop was then rolling wildly as she drove along with the peak of her mainsail lowered before a big following sea vane looked thoughtful as he gripped the helm because a head ran out from the beach he was following three or four miles away and he would have to haul the boat up to windward to get around it this would bring the comers upon her quarter or worse still a beam kitty blake was below mrs marvin had made no appearance yet and he spoke to carroll who was standing in the well the seas breaking more sharply and we'd get uncommonly wet before we hammered round yonder head he said there's an inlet on this side of it where we ought to find good shelter the trouble is that if you stay there long you'll be too late for the director's meeting carroll answered they can't have the meeting without me and if it's necessary they can wait vane pointed out i've had to many an hour i've spent cooling my heels in offices before the head of the concern could find time to attend to me no doubt it was part of the game and done to impress me with a due sense of my unimportance it's possible carol agreed smiling kitty blake made her appearance in the cabin entrance just then and vane smiled at her we're going to give you a rest he announced there's an inlet close ahead where we should find smooth water and we'll put you all ashore until the wind drops

Starting point is 00:47:08 there was no suspicion in the girl's face now and she gave him a grateful glance before she disappeared below with the consoling news soon afterwards vane luffed into a tiny bay where the sloop rode upright in the sunshine with loose canvas flapping softly in a faint breeze while the cable rattled down they got the canoe over and when he had landed mrs marvin and her little girl both of whom looked very woebegone and the worse for the voyage into her vane glanced around isn't miss blake coming he asked mrs marvin who is suggestively pallid smiled she's changing her dress she glanced at her own crumpled attire and added i'm past thinking of such things as that they waited some minutes and then vain called to kitty who appeared in the entrance to the cabin won't you look in the locker and bring anything you think would be nice we'll make a fire and have supper on the beach if it isn't first-rate you'll be responsible a few minutes later they paddled ashore and vain landed them on a strip of shingle with a wall of rock behind it to which dark firs clung in the rifts and crannies the sunshine streamed into the hollow the wind was cut off and not far away away a crystal stream came splashing down a ravine.

Starting point is 00:48:49 Vane, who had brought an axe, made a fire of resinous wood, and Carol and Kitty prepared a bountiful supper. After it was finished, Carol carried the plates away to the stream, towards which Mrs. Marvin and the little girl followed him, and Vane and Kitty were left beside the fire. She sat on a log of driftwood, and he lay on the lake. the warm shingle with his pipe in his hand. The clear green water splashed and tinkled upon the pebbles close at his feet, and a faint elfin sighing fell from the firs above them. It was very old music, the song of the primeval wilderness, and though he had heard it often, it had a strange unsettling effect upon him as he languidly watched his companion. there was no doubt that she was pleasant to look upon but although he failed to recognize this clearly it was to a large extent an impersonal interest he took in her

Starting point is 00:49:55 she was not so much an attractive young woman with qualities that pleased him as a type of something that had so far not come into his life something which he vaguely felt that he had missed one could have fancied that by some deep-sunk intuition she surmised this fact and felt the security of it so you believe you can get an engagement if you reach vancouver in time he said at length kitty assented and he asked how long will it last i can't tell perhaps a few weeks it depends upon how the boys are pleased with the show it must be a hard life vain broke out you must make very little scarcely enough i suppose to carry you on from one engagement to another after all weren't you as well off at the restaurant didn't they treat you properly she colored a little at the question oh yes at least i have no fault to find with the man who kept it or his wife vain made a hasty sign of comprehension he supposed that the difficulty had arisen from the conduct of one or more of the regular customers he felt he would very much like to meet the man whose undesired attentions had driven his companion from her occupation did you ever try to learn keeping accounts or typewriting he asked i tried at once but the mill shut down i've an idea that i could find you a post vain made the suggestion casually though he was troubled by an inward diffidence

Starting point is 00:51:48 he saw a tinge of warmer color creep into the girl's cheeks no she said decidedly it wouldn't do the man knitted his brows though he fancied that she was right well he replied i don't want to be officious but how can i help you can't help at all vain who saw that she meant it lay smoking in silence for a minute or two. Then Carol came up with Mrs. Marvin and the child, and he felt strongly stirred when the little girl walked up to him shyly with a basket filled with shells. He drew her down beside him, with an arm about her waist, while he examined her treasures, and then, glancing up, met Kitty's eyes, and felt his face grow hot with an emotion he failed to analyze. child was delicate. Life had scanty pleasure to offer her, but now she was happy. "'They're so pretty, and there are lots of them,' she said.

Starting point is 00:52:59 "'Can't we stay here longer and gather some more?' "'Yes,' said Vane, conscious that Carol, who had heard the question, was watching him. "'You shall stay and get as many as you want. I am afraid you don't like the sloop.' No, replied the child gravely. I don't like it when it jumps. After I woke up, it jumped all the time. Never mind, said Vane. The boat will keep still tonight,

Starting point is 00:53:33 and I don't think there'll be any waves to roll her about tomorrow. We'll bring you ashore first thing in the morning. He talked to her for a few minutes, and then strolled along the beach with Carol. Why did you promise that child to stay here? Carol asked. Because I felt like doing so. I needn't remind you that you've an appointment with Horsfield about the smelter,

Starting point is 00:54:02 and there's a meeting of the board next day. If we started now and caught the first steamer across, you wouldn't have much time to spare. That's correct. I shall have to wire from Victoria that I've been detained. Carol laughed expressively. Do you mean to keep your directors waiting to please a child? I suppose that's one reason. Anyway, I don't propose to hustle the little girl and her mother on board the steamer helpless with seasickness. He paused, and a gleam of humor crept into his

Starting point is 00:54:42 eyes. As I told you, I've no objection to letting the directors wait my pleasure. but they set the concern on its feet just so said vain coolly on the other hand they got excellent value for their services and i found the mine what's more during the preliminary negotiations most of them treated me very casually well said carroll there's going to be a difference now i've a board of directors one way or another i've had to pay for the privilege pretty dearly but i don't intend that they should run the clermont mine carroll glanced at him with open amusement there had been a marked change in vain since he had floated the company but it was one that did not astonish his comrade carroll had long suspected him of latent capabilities which had suddenly sprung to life you ought to see horsefield before you meet the board he pointed out i'm not sure vain answered in fact i'm uncertain whether i'll give horsefield the contract even if we decide about the smelter i don't want a man with too firm a hold up against me but if he put his money in with the idea of getting certain pickings he didn't explain his intentions and i made no promises vain answered dryly he'll get his dividends that'll satisfy him they rejoined the others and when the white mists crept lower down from the heights above and when the white mists crept lower down from the heights above and

Starting point is 00:56:34 the chill of the dew was in the air. Vane launched the canoe. It's getting late, and there's a long run in front of us tomorrow, he informed his passengers. The sloop will lie as still as if moored in a pond, and you'll have her all to yourselves. Carol and I are going to camp ashore. He paddled them off to the boat,

Starting point is 00:56:59 and coming back with some blankets, cut a few armfuls of spruce tweed. in a ravine and spread them out beside the fire then sitting down just clear of the scented smoke he lighted his pipe and asked an abrupt question what do you think of kitty blake well said carol cautiously i must confess that i have taken some interest in the girl partly because you were obviously doing so in a general way what i noticed rather surprised me it wasn't what i expected you smart folks are as often wrong as the rest of us i suppose you look for cold-blooded assurance tempered by what one might call experienced cocaptial poetry something of the kind carol agreed as you say i was wrong there are only two ways of explaining miss blake and the first's the one that would strike most people that is she's acting apart possibly with an object holding her natural self in check and doing it cleverly vain laughed scornfully i wouldn't have entertained that i wouldn't have entertained that i for five minutes then said carroll there's the other explanation it's simply that the girl's life hasn't affected her somehow she has kept fresh and wholesome

Starting point is 00:58:34 there's no doubt of it said vein shortly you offered to help her in some way i did i don't know how you'd guessed it i said i'd find her a situation she would wouldn't hear of it. She was wise, said Carol. Vancouver isn't a very big place yet, and the girl has more sense than you have. What did you say? Nothing. You interrupted us. But I'm going to sleep.

Starting point is 00:59:09 He rolled himself up in his blanket and lay down among the soft spruce twigs, but Carol sat still in the darkness and smoked his pipe out. then he glanced at his comrade who lay still breathing evenly no doubt you'll be considered fortunate he said apostrophizing him half aloud you've had power and responsibility thrust upon you what will you make of them then he too lay down and only the soft splash of the tiny ripples broke the silence while the fire sank lower they sailed next morning and eventually arrived in victoria after the boat which crossed the strait had gone but the breeze was fair from the westwards and after dispatching a telegram vain put to sea again the sloop made a quick passage and for most of the time her passengers lounged in the sunshine on her gently slanted deck it was evening when they ran through the narrows into Vancouver's landlocked harbor.

Starting point is 01:00:23 Half an hour later, Vane landed his passengers, and it was not until he had left them, they discovered that he had thrust a roll of paper currency into the little girl's hand. Then he and Carol set off of the CPR hotel. End of Chapter 3. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 4 of The Protector by Harold Binlott. this librivox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline the protector by harold bindloss chapter four a change of environment on the evening after his arrival in vancouver vane who took carroll with him paid a visit to one of his directors and in accordance with the invitation reached the latter's dwelling some little time before the arrival of

Starting point is 01:01:28 other guests, whose acquaintance it was considered advisable that he should make. Vane and his companion were ushered into a small room with an uncovered floor and simple hardwood furniture. It was obviously a working room, for, as a rule, the work of the Western businessman goes on continuously, except when he is asleep. but a somewhat portly lady with a good-humored face reclined in a rocking-chair a gaunt elderly man of rugged appearance rose from his seat at a writing-table as his guests entered so you've come at last he said i had you shown in here because this room is mine and i can smoke when i like the rest of the house is mrs nairns and it seems that her her friends do not appreciate the smell of my cigars. I'm not sure that I can blame them." Mrs. Nairn smiled placidly.

Starting point is 01:02:34 "'Alech,' she explained, leaves them lying everywhere, and I do not like the stubs on the stairs. But sit you down and he will give you one.' Vane felt at home with both of them. He had met people of their kind before, and allowing for certain idiosyncrasies considered them the salt of the dominion. Nairn had done good service to his adopted country, developing her new industries, with some profit to himself, for he was of Scottish extraction, but while close at a bargain he could be generous afterwards.

Starting point is 01:03:12 When his guests were seated, he laid two cigar boxes on the table. Those, he said, pointing to one of them, are mine. I think you'd better try the others. They're for visitors. Vane, who had already noticed the aroma of the cigar that was smoldering on a tray, decided that he was right, and dipped his hand into the second box, which he passed to Carol. Now, said Nairn, we can talk comfortably, and Clara will listen.

Starting point is 01:03:44 afterwards it's possible she will favor me with her opinion mrs nairn smiled at them encouragingly and her husband proceeded one or two of my colleagues were no pleased at you for putting off the meeting the sloop was small and it was blowing rather hard bane explained maybe said nairn for all that the tone of your message was not altogether conciliatory it informed us that you would arrange for the postponed meeting at your earliest convenience you did not mention ours i pointed that out to him and he said it didn't matter carol broke in laughing nairn spread out his hands in expostulation but there was dry appreciation in his eyes young blood must have its way then he paused you will not have said anything to horsefield yet about the smelter no so far i'm not sure it would pay us to put up the plant and the other man's terms were lower maybe nairn answered and he made the word very expressive you have had the handling of the thing but henceforward it will be necessary to get the sanction of the board however you will meet horsefield to-night we expect him and his sister vain thought he had been favored with a hint but he also fancied that his host was not inimical and was merely reserving his judgment the latter changed the subject so you're going to england for a holiday he remarked you'll have friends who'll be glad to see you i've one sister and no other near relatives but i expect to spend some time with folks you know the chisholms are

Starting point is 01:05:45 old family friends, and, as you will remember, it was through them I first approached you. Then obeying one of the impulses, which occasionally swayed him, he turned to Mrs. Nairn. I'm grateful to them for sending me the letter of introduction to your husband. He didn't treat me as the others did when I first went round this city with a few mineral specimens. He had expected nothing when he spoke, but there was a result. responsive look in the lady's face, which hinted that he had made a friend, and, as a matter of fact, he owed a good deal to his host.

Starting point is 01:06:25 "'So you're a meaning to stay with Chisholm,' Niren exclaimed. "'We had Evelyn here two years ago, and Clara said something about her coming out again.' "'I never heard of that, but it's nine years since I saw Evelyn.' "'Then there's a surprise in store, for you. for you, said Nairn. I believe they've a bonny place, and there's no doubt Chisholm will make you welcome. The slight pause was expressive.

Starting point is 01:06:56 It implied that Nairn, who had a somewhat biting humor, could furnish a reason for Chishm's hospitality if he desired, and Vane was confirmed in this supposition when he saw the warning look which his hostess cast at her husband. It's likely that we'll have Evelyn again, in the fall, she broke in. It's a very small world, Mr. Vane. It's a far cry from Vancouver to England, said Vane.

Starting point is 01:07:26 How did you come to know Chisholm? Nairn answered him. Our acquaintance began with business, and he's a kind of connection of Calcahoun's. Calcahoun was a man of some importance, who held a crown appointment, and Vane felt inclined to wonder why Chisholm had not sent him a letter to him.

Starting point is 01:07:49 Afterwards he guessed at the reason, which was not flattering to himself or his host. The latter and he chatted a while on business topics until there was a sound of voices below, and going down in company with Mrs. Nairn, they found two or three new arrivals in the entrance hall. Moore came in, and when they sat down to supper, Vane was given a place beside a lady whom he had already met.

Starting point is 01:08:19 Jesse Horsfield was about his own age, tall and slight of figure, with regular features, a rather colorless face, and eyes of a cold light blue. There was, however, something which Vane considered striking in her appearance, and he was gratified by her graciousness to him. Her brother sat almost opposite to them,

Starting point is 01:08:43 a tall spare man with an expressionless countenance except for the aggressive hardness in his eyes vain had noticed this look in them and it had roused his dislike but he had not observed it in those of miss horsefield though it was present now and then nor did he realize that while she chatted she was unobtrusively studying him she had not favored him with much notice when she was in his company on a previous occasion he had been a man of no importance then i suppose you are glad you have finished your work in the bush she remarked presently it must be nice to get back to civilization yes vain assented it's remarkably nice after living for nine years in the wilderness a fresh dish was laid before them and his companion smiled you didn't get things of this kind among the pines no said vane in fact cookery is one of the chopper's trials you come back dead tired and often very wet to your lonely tent and then there's a fire to make and supper to get before you can rest. It happens now and then that you're too played out to trouble and go to sleep instead. Dreadful, said the girl, sympathetically.

Starting point is 01:10:13 But you have been in Vancouver before. Except on the last occasion I stayed down near the waterfront. We were not provided with luxurious quarters or suppers of this kind then. Jesse nodded. it's romantic and though you must be glad it's over there must be some satisfaction in feeling that you owe the change to your own efforts doesn't it give you a feeling that in some degree you're master of your fate i fancy i should like that it was subtle flattery and there were reasons why it appealed to the man he had wandered about the province in search of employment besides being beaten down at many a small bargain by more fortunately situated men now however he had resolved that there should be a difference instead of begging favors he would dictate terms i should have imagined it he said in answer to her last remark and he was right for jesse horsfield was a clever woman who loved power and influence then she abruptly changed the subject

Starting point is 01:11:27 it was you who located the clermont mine wasn't it she asked i read something about it in the papers i think they said it was copper this vagueness was misleading because her brother had given her a good deal of information about the mine yes said vane who was willing to take up any subject she suggested it's copper but there's some silver combined with it of course the value of any ore depends upon two things the percentage of the metal and the cost of extracting it she waited with flattering interest and he added in both respects clermont produce is promising after that he did not remember what they talked about but the time passed rapidly and he was surprised when mrs nearn rose and the company drifted away by twos and threes toward the verandah left by himself a moment he came upon carroll sauntering down a corridor and the latter stopped him i've had a chat with horsefield he remarked well said vain he may have merely meant to make himself agreeable and he may have wished to extract information about you if the latter was his object he was not successful ah said vain thoughtfully nairn straight away anyway and to be relied upon i like him and his wife so do i carroll agreed he moved away and a few moments later horsefield joined vane who had strolled out on to the verandah i don't know if it's a very suitable time to mention it but are you any nearer a decision about that smelter yet he said

Starting point is 01:13:27 candidly i'd like the contract no said vain i can't make up my mind and i may postpone the matter indefinitely it might prove more profitable to ship the ore out for reduction horsefield examined his cigar of course i can't press you but i may perhaps suggest that as we'll have worked together in other matters i might be able to give you a quid pro quo that occurred to me said vane on the other hand i don't know how much importance i ought to attach to the consideration his companion laughed with apparent good humor oh well he answered i must wait until you're ready he strolled away and presently joined his sister how does vain strike you he asked you seem to get on with him i've an idea that you won't find him easy to influence and the girl looked at her brother pointedly i'm inclined to agree with you said horsefield in spite of it-in-spyled in spite of you of that, he's a man worth cultivating." He passed on to speak to Nairn, and by and by, Vane sat down beside Jesse in a corner of a big room. It was simply furnished, but spacious and lofty, and looked out across the veranda. It was pleasant to lounge there and feel that Miss

Starting point is 01:15:06 Horsfield had good-naturedly taken him under her wing, which seemed to describe her attitude. As Mrs. Nairn tells me, you are going to England, I suppose we shall not see you in Vancouver for some months,' she said presently. "'This city really isn't a bad place to live in.' Vane felt gratified. She implied that he would be an acquisition and included him among the number of her acquaintances. "'I fancy I shall find it a particularly pleasant one,' he responded. "'Indeed, I'm inclined to be sorry.'

Starting point is 01:15:44 I've made arrangements to leave it very shortly. That is pure good nature, his companion laughed. She changed the subject, and Vane found her conversation entertaining. She said nothing of any consequence, but she knew how to make a glance or a changed inflection expressive. He was sorry when she left him, but she smiled at him before she moved away. If you and Mr. Carroll cared a call, I am generally at home in the afternoon, she said.

Starting point is 01:16:20 She crossed the room, and Vane, who joined Nairn, remained near him until he took his departure. It was late the next afternoon, and an Empress liner from China and Japan had arrived an hour or two earlier, when he and Carol reached the CPR station. The Atlantic train was waiting, and an unusual number of passengers were hurrying about the cars. They were, for the most part, prosperous people, businessmen and tourists from England, going home that way, and when Vane found Mrs. Marvin and Kitty, he was once more conscious of a stirring of compassion. Kitty smiled at him diffidently. "'You have been so kind,' she said,

Starting point is 01:17:09 began, and, pausing, added with a tremor in her voice, but the tickets— "'Fsha!' said Vane. "'If it will ease your mind, you can send me what they cost after the first full house you draw.' "'How shall we address you?' "'Clarmont mineral exploitation. "'I don't want to think I'm going to lose sight of you.' Kitty turned away from him a moment and then looked back. i'm afraid you must make up your mind to that she said vane could not remember his answer though he afterwards tried

Starting point is 01:17:50 but just then an official strode along beside the cars calling to the passengers and when a bell began tolling vane hurried the girl and her companions on to a platform mrs marvin entered the car elsie held up her face to kiss him before she disappeared and he and kitty were left alone she held out her hand and a liquid gleam crept into her eyes we can't thank you properly she said good-bye no vain protested you mustn't say that yes said kitty firmly it's good-bye you'll be carried on in a moment Vane gazed down at her and afterwards wondered at what he did. But she looked so forlorn and desolate, and the pretty face was so close to him. Stooping swiftly he kissed her, and had a thrilling fancy that she did not recoil. Then the cars lurched forward, and he swung himself down. End of Chapter 4.

Starting point is 01:19:05 Recording by Roger Maline Chapter 5 of The Protector by Harold Bindloss. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. The Protector by Harold Bindloss. Chapter 5. The Old Country A month had passed since Vane said goodbye to Kitty

Starting point is 01:19:37 when he and Carol alighted one evening at a little station in the north of England. The train was. went on, and Vain stood still, looking about him with a poignant recollection of how he had last waited on that platform, sick at heart, but gathering his youthful courage for the effort that he must make. It all came back to him, the dejection, the sense of loneliness, for he was then going out to the western dominion in which he had not a friend. Now he was returning prosperous and successful. But once again the feeling of loneliness was with him. Most of

Starting point is 01:20:18 those whom he had left behind had made a longer journey than his. Then he noticed an elderly man in livery approaching, and he held out his hand with a smile of pleasure. You haven't changed a bit, Jim, he said. A bit stiffer in the joints and maybe a bit sourer, was the her. Then the man's wrinkled face relaxed. I'm main glad to see thee, Mr. Wallace. Master would have come, only had to go on to Manchester suddenly. Vane helped him to place their baggage in the trap, and then, gathering up the reins, bade him sit behind.

Starting point is 01:21:04 After half an hour's ride through a country rolled in ridge and valley, Vane pulled up where a style path led across a strip of meadow. "'You can drive round, we'll be there before you,' he said to the groom as he got down. Carol and he crossed the meadow and passing round a clump of larches came suddenly into sight of an old gray house, with a fir wood rolling down the hillside close behind it. The building was long and low, weather-worn and stuble, and stuart. stained with lichens where the creepers and climbing roses left the stone exposed the bottom row of mullioned windows opened upon a terrace and in front of the ladder ran a low wall with a mossy coping on which was placed urns bright with geraniums it was pierced by an opening approached by shallow stairs on which a peacock stood and between them and the two men stretched a sweep of lawn

Starting point is 01:22:10 a couple of minutes later a lady met them in the hall and held out her hand to vain effusively she was middle-aged and had once been handsome carol thought but there were wrinkles about her eyes which had a hint of hardness in them welcome home wallace she said it should not be difficult to look upon the dean as that you were here so often once upon a time thank you said vain i felt tempted to ask jim to drive me round by the low wood i wanted to see the place again i'm glad you didn't and the lady smiled sympathetically the house is shut up and going to pieces it would have been depressing to-night vane presented carol mrs chishol's manner was gracious but for no particular reason carol wondered if she would have extended the same welcome to either had his comrade not come back the discoverer of a mine tom was sorry he couldn't wait to meet you but he had to leave from manchester on some urgent business she informed vane and looked round as a girl with disordered hair came up to them this is mabel she said i hardly think you will remember her i've carried her across the meadow smilingly remarked vane the girl greeted the strangers demurely and favored vane with a critical gazed gaze. So, you're Wallace Vane, who found the Claremont Mine. Though I don't remember you,

Starting point is 01:23:56 I've heard a good deal about you lately. Very pleased to make your acquaintance. Vane's eyes twinkled as he shook hands with her. Her manner was quaintly formal, but he fancied there was a spice of mischief hidden behind it, and in the meanwhile, Now, Carol, watching his hostess, surmised that her daughter's remarks had not altogether pleased her. She, however, chatted with them until the man who had driven them appeared with their baggage, when they were shown their respective rooms. Vane was the first to go down, and, reaching the hall, found nobody there,

Starting point is 01:24:37 though a clatter of dishes and clink of silver, suggested that a meal was being laid out in an adjoining room, sitting down near the hearth he looked about him his eyes rested on many objects that he recognized but as his glance traveled to and fro it occurred to him that much of what he saw conveyed a hint that economy was needful by and by he heard a patter of feet and looking up saw a girl descending the stairs in the fading stream of light she was clad in trailing white she was clad in trailing white which gleamed against the dark oak and ruffled softly as it flowed about a tall finely outlined and finely poised figure she had hair of dark brown with paler lights in its curling tendrils gathered back from a neck that showed a faintly warmer whiteness than the snowy fabric beneath it it was however her face which seized veins's attention the level brows the quiet deep deep brown eyes, the straight, cleanly cut nose, and the subtle suggestion of steadfastness and pride which they all conveyed. He rose with a cry that had pleasure and eagerness in it. Evelyn! She came down, moving lightly, but, as he noticed, with a rhythmic grace,

Starting point is 01:26:07 and laid a firm, cool hand in his. I'm glad to see you back, Wallace, she said. but you have changed. I'm not sure that's kind. In some ways you haven't changed at all. I would have known you anywhere. Nine years is a long time to remember anyone. Vane had seen few women during that period, but he was not a fool,

Starting point is 01:26:36 and he recognized that this was no occasion for an attempt at gallantry. There was nothing coquettish in Evelyn's work, words nor were they ironical she had answered in the tranquil matter-of-fact manner which as he remembered usually characterized her it's a little while since you landed isn't it she added a week said vane i'd some business in london and then i went on to look up lucy she had just gone up to town and i missed her i shall go up again to see her as soon as i'll go up again to see her as soon as she answers my note. It won't be necessary. She's coming here for a fortnight very soon.

Starting point is 01:27:23 That's kind, said Vane. Whom have I to thank for suggesting it? Does it matter? It was a natural thing to ask your only sister, who is a friend of mine. We have plenty of room, and the place is quiet. It used not to be. If I remember your mother generally had it full part of the year.

Starting point is 01:27:48 Things have changed, said Evelyn quietly. Vane was baffled by something in her manner. Evelyn had never been effusive. That was not her way. But now, while she was cordial, she did not seem disposed to resume their acquaintance where it had been broken off. After all, he could hardly have expected this.

Starting point is 01:28:12 Mabel is like you as you used to be, he said. It struck me as soon as I saw her. But when she began to talk, there was a difference. Yes, she said. I think you're right in both respects. Mopsy has the courage of her convictions. She's an open rebel. There was no bitterness in her tone.

Starting point is 01:28:39 Evelyn's manner was never pointed, but vain fancied that she had said a meaning thing, one that might explain what he found puzzling in her attitude, when he held the key to it. Then she went on, Mopsy was dubious about you before you arrived, but I'm pleased to say she now seems reassured. Then Carol came down,

Starting point is 01:29:06 and a few moments later Mrs. Chisholm appeared, and they went into dinner in a low-ceilinged room. Nobody said anything of importance, but by and by, Mabel turned to Vane. "'I suppose you have brought your pistols with you,' she said. "'I never owned one,' Vane informed her. The girl looked at him with an excellent assumption of incredulity. "'Then you have never shot anybody in British Columbia?' Carol laughed as if this greatly pleased him,

Starting point is 01:29:41 but vane's face was rather grave as he answered her no he said i'm thankful i haven't then the west must be getting what the archdeacon he's flora's husband you know calls decadent the girl retorted she's incorrigible mrs chisholm interposed with a smile carol who was sitting next to mabel leaned towards her confidential in case you feel badly disappointed i'll let you into a secret he said when we feel real savage we take the axe instead evelyn fancied that vain winced at this but mabel looked openly regretful can either of you pick up a handkerchief going at full gallop on horseback she inquired i'm sorry i can't and i've never seen wallace us do so carroll answered laughing and mrs chishol shook her head at her daughter miss clifford complained of your inattention to the study of english last quarter she said severely mabel made no answer though vain thought it would have relieved her to grimace and by and by the meal came to an end some time afterwards mrs chisholm rose from her seat in the drawing-room we keep early hours at the dean but you will retire when you like she said as tom is away i had better tell you that you will find siphons and whisky in the smoking-room i have had the lamp lighted thank you vain replied with a smile i am afraid you have taken more trouble on our account than you need have done except on special occasions we have generally confined our circumstances we have generally confined our

Starting point is 01:31:41 to strong green tea mabel looked at him in amazement oh she said the west is certainly decadent you should be here when the otter hounds are out why it was only she broke off abruptly beneath her mother's withering glance and when they were left alone vane and carroll strolled out upon the terrace pipe in hand i suppose you could put in a few weeks here bain remarked i could carol replied there's an atmosphere about these old houses that appeals to me perhaps because we have nothing like it in canada besides i think your friends mean to make things pleasant i'm glad you like them carol understood that his comrade would not resent a candid expression understood that his comrade would not resent a candid expression of opinion i do the girls in particular they interest me the younger ones of a type that's common in our country though it's generally given room for free development into something useful there mabel's chaffing at the curb it remains to be seen as she'll kick and hurt herself in doing so presently vain who remembered that evelyn had said something to the same effect had already discovered that carol possessed a keen insight in certain matters and her sister he suggested you won't mind my saying that i'm inclined to be sorry for her she has learned repression been driven into line that girl has character but it's being cramped and stunted

Starting point is 01:33:32 you live in walled in compartments in this country vain strolled along the terrace thoughtfully he was not offended and he understood his companion's attitude like other men of education and good upbringing driven by unrest or disaster to the untrammeled life of the bush carol had gained sympathy as well as knowledge facing facts candidly he seldom indulged in decided protest against any of them on the other hand vain was on occasion liable to outbreaks of indignation well said the latter at length i guess it's time to go to bed end of chapter five recording by roger maline chapter six of the protector by harold binloss this libervox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline the protector by harold binloss chapter six upon the heights vane rose early next morning as he had been accustomed to do and taking a towel with him made his way across dewy meadows and between tall hedgerows to the tarn stripping where the rabbit-cropped sward met the mossy boulders he swam out joyously breasting the little ripples which splashed and sparkled beneath the breeze that had got up with the sun coming back where the water lay in shadow beneath a larch wood which as yet had not wholly lost its vivid green he disturbed the paddling moorhands and put up a mallard from a clump of swaying reeds

Starting point is 01:35:30 then he dressed and turned homewards scrambling over a limestone wall tufted thick with parsley fern he noticed mabel stooping down over an object which lay among the heather where a rough cart-load approached a wooden bridge on joining her he saw that it was a finely-built canoe with a hole in one bilge she was examining she looked up at him ruefully as she said very sad isn't it that stupid little did it with his clumsy cart i think it could be mended vain replied old beven he's the whale right said it couldn't and dad said i could hardly expect him to send the canoe back to kingston he bought it for me at an exhibition then a thought seemed to strike her perhaps you had something to do with canoes in canada i used to pull one loaded with provisions up a river and carry the lot round several falls you're fond of paddling i love it i used to row the fishing punt but it's too old to be safe and now the canoes smashed i can't go out well said vane we'll walk across and see what we can find in beven's shop they crossed the heath to a tiny hamlet's shop they crossed the heath to a tiny hamlet nestling in a hollow of a limestone crag there vain made friends with the wheelwright who regarded him dubiously at first and obtained a piece of larch board from him the grizzled north countryman watched him closely as he set a plane which is a delicate operation and then raised no objection when vain made use of his workbench after that

Starting point is 01:37:25 Vane, who had sawn up the board, borrowed a few tools and copper nails, and he and Mabel went back to the canoe. On the way, she glanced at him curiously. I wasn't sure old Beaven would let you have the things, she remarked. It isn't often he'll lend even a hammer, but he seemed to take to you. I think it was the way you handle his plane. It's strange what little things win some people's good opinion, isn't it? Oh, don't, she exclaimed. That's how the archdeacon talks.

Starting point is 01:38:03 I thought you were different. The man acquiesced in the rebuke, and after an hour's labor at the canoe, scraped the red lead he had used off his hands, and sat down beside the craft. By and by he became conscious that his companion was regarding him with what seemed to be approval. I really think you'll do and we'll get on, she informed him.

Starting point is 01:38:30 If you had been the wrong kind, you would have worried about your red hands. Still, you could have rubbed them on the heather instead of on your socks. I might have thought of that, Vane agreed, but, you see, I've been accustomed to wearing old clothes. Anyway, you'll be able to launch the canoe as soon as you'll be able to launch the canoe as soon as as the joints dry. There's one thing I should have told you, the girl replied. Dad would have sent the canoe away to be mended if it hadn't been so far. He's very good when the things don't ruffle him, but he hasn't been fortunate lately.

Starting point is 01:39:09 The lead mine takes a good deal of money. Vane admired her loyalty and refrained from taking advantage of her candor, though there were one or two questions he would have liked to ask when he was last in england chisholm had been generally regarded as a man of means though it was rumored that he was addicted to hazardous speculations mabel who did not seem to mind his silence went on i heard stevens he's the gamekeeper tell bevan that dad should have been a rabbit because he's so fond of burrowing no doubt that meant he couldn't keep out of minds. Vane made no comment, and to change the subject, reminded her, Don't you think it's getting on for breakfast time? It won't be for a good while yet.

Starting point is 01:40:03 We don't get up early, and though Evelyn used to, it's different now. We went out on the tarn every morning, even in the rain. But I suppose that's not good for one's complexion, though bothering about such things doesn't seem to. to be worthwhile. Aunt Julia couldn't do anything for Evelyn, though she had her in London for some time. Flora is our shining light. What did she do? Vane inquired. She married the archdeacon, and he isn't so very dried up. I've seen him smile when I talk to him. I'm not astonished at that, Mabel. His companion looked up at him demurely.

Starting point is 01:40:48 my name's not mabel to you i'm mopsie to the family but my special friends called me mops you're one of the few people one can be natural with and i'm getting sick you won't be shocked at that of having to be the opposite half an hour later vane who had seldom had to wait so long for it sat down to breakfast all he saw spoke of ease and taste and leisure evelyn who sat opposite him looked wonderfully fresh in her white dress mopsie was as amusing as she dared to be but he felt drawn back to the restless world again as he glanced at his hostess and saw the wrinkles round her eyes and a hint of cleverly hidden strain in her expression he fancied a good deal could be inferred from the fragments of information her youngest daughter had let drop it was the latter who suggested that they should picnic upon the summit of a lofty hill from which there was a striking view and as this met with the approval of mrs chisholm who excused herself from accompanying them they set out an hour later. The day was bright, with glaring sunshine, and a moderate breeze drove up wisps of ragged cloud that dappled the hills with flitting shadow. Vane carried the provisions in a fishing creel, and on leaving the head of the valley, they climbed leisurely up easy slopes, slipping on the

Starting point is 01:42:29 crisp hill grass now and then. By and by, they plunged into tangled heather on a boulder ridge, which was rent by black gullies down which at times wild torrents poured this did not trouble either of the men but vain was surprised at the ease with which evelyn threaded her way across the heath she wore a short skirt and he noticed the supple grace of her movements and the delicate color the wind had brought into her face she had changed since they left the valley she seemed to have flung off something and her laugh had a gayer ring but while she chatted with him he was still conscious of a subtle reserve in her manner climbing still they reached the haunts of the cloudberries and brushed through several broad patches of the snowy blossoms that open their gleaming cups among the moss and heather. Then, turning the flank of a steep ascent, they reached the foot of a shingly scree and sat down to lunch in the warm sunshine, where the wind was cut off by the peak above. Beneath them, a great rift opened up among the rocks, and far beyond the blue lake in the depths

Starting point is 01:43:49 of it, they caught the silver gleam of the rock. the distant sea. The creel was promptly emptied, and when Mabel afterwards took Carol away to see if he could get up a chimney in some neighboring crags, Vane lay resting on one elbow, not far from Evelyn. She was looking down the long hollow with the sunshine upon her face. "'You didn't seem to mind the climb,' he said. I enjoyed it. I am fond of the mountains, and I have to thank you for a day among them. On the surface the words offered an opening for a complimentary rejoinder, but Vane was too shrewd to seize it. He had made one venture, and he surmised that a second one would not please her.

Starting point is 01:44:39 "'They're almost at your door,' he said. One would imagine you could indulge in a scramble among them whenever it pleased. you there are a good many things that look so close and still are out of reach evelyn answered with a smile that somehow troubled him then her manner changed you are content with this vain gazed about him at purple crags and shadow glistening threads of water that fell among the rocks and long slopes that lay steep in softest color under the summer sky content is scarcely the right word for it he assured her if it wasn't so still and serene up here i'd be riotously happy there are reasons for this quite apart from the scenery for one it's pleasant to feel that i need do nothing but what i like for the next few months the sensation must be unusual i wonder if even in your case it will last so long bane laughed and stretched out one of his hands it was lean and brown and she could see the marks of old scars on the knuckles in my case he answered it has only come once in a lifetime and if it isn't too presumptuous i think i've earned it he indicated his back shattered fingers. That's the result of holding a wet and slippery drill, but those aren't the

Starting point is 01:46:14 only marks I carry about with me, though I've been more fortunate than many fine comrades. I suppose one must get hurt now and then, said Evelyn, who had noticed something that pleased her in his voice as he concluded. After all, a bruise that's only skin deep doesn't trouble one long, and no doubt some scars are unlawed. honorable. It's slow corrosion that's the deadliest. She broke off with a laugh and added, Moralizing's out of place on a day like this, and they're not frequent in the North. In a way, that's their greatest charm. Vane nodded. Yes, he said, on the face of it, the North is fickle, though to those who know it, that's a misleading term. To some of us,

Starting point is 01:47:08 it's always the same, and its dark grimness makes you feel the radiance of its smile. For all that, I think we're going to see a sudden change in the weather. Half of the wide circle their view would have commanded was cut off by a scree, but long wisps of leaden cloud began to stream across the crags above, intensifying, until it seemed unnatural, the glow of light and color on the rest. i wonder if mopsie is leading mr carroll to any mischief they've been gone some time said evelyn she has a trick of getting herself and other people into difficulties i suppose he is an old friend of yours unless perhaps he's acting as your secretary vane's eyes twinkled if he came in any particular capacity it's as bear leader you see there are good many things i've forgotten in the bush and as i left this country young there are no doubt some i never learned and so you make mr carroll your confidential adviser how did he gain the necessary experience

Starting point is 01:48:24 that replied vain is more than i can tell you but i'm inclined to believe he has been at one of the universities toronto most likely anyhow on the whole he acts as a judicious restraint but don't you really know anything about him only what some years of close companionship have taught me evelyn looked surprised and he spread out his hands in a humorous manner a good many people have had to take me in that way and they seemed willing to do so the thing's not uncommon in the west why should i be more particular than they were. Just then Mabel and Carol appeared. The latter's garments were stained in places, as if he had been scrambling over mossy rocks, and his pockets bulged. We found some sundew and two ferns, I don't know, as well as all sorts of other things, she announced. That's correct, said Carol. I've got them. I guess they're going to fill up most of the creel.

Starting point is 01:49:38 Mabel superintended their transfer, and then addressed the others, generally. I think we ought to go up the pike now, when we have the chance. It isn't much of a climb from here. Besides, the quickest way back to the road is across the top and down the other side. Evelyn agreed, and they set out, following a sheet path which skirted the screase, until they left the bank of sharp stones behind and faced a steep ascent. Parts of it necessitated a breathless scramble, and the sunlight faded from the hills as they climbed,

Starting point is 01:50:18 while thicker wisps of cloud drove across the ragged summit. They reached the ladder at length and stopped, bracing themselves against a rush of chilly breeze while they looked down upon a wilderness of leaden-colored rock. long trails of mist were creeping in and out among the crags and here and there masses of it gathered round the higher slopes i think the pikes grandest in this weather mabel declared look below mr carroll and you'll see the mountain is like a starfish it has prongs running out from it carroll did as she directed him and noticed three diverging ridges springing off from the shoulder of the peak their crests which were narrow led down towards the valley but their sides fell in rent and fissured crags to great black hollows you can get down two of them mabel went on the first is the nearest to the road but the third's the easiest it takes you to the haws that's the gap between it and the next hill

Starting point is 01:51:30 a few big drops began to fall and evelyn cut her sister's explanations short we had better make a start at once she said they set out mabel and carol leading and drawing farther away from the two behind and the rain began in earnest as they descended rock slope and scattered stones were slippery and vain found it difficult to keep his footing on some of their life surfaces he however was relieved to see that his companion seldom hesitated and they made their way downwards cautiously until near the spot where the three ridges diverged they walked into a belt of drifting mist the peak above them was suddenly blotted out and evelyn bade vain hail carol and mabel who had disappeared he sent a shout ringing through the vapor and and caught a faint and unintelligible reply after which a flock of sheep fled past and dislodged a rush of sliding stones vain heard the latter rattle far down the hillside and when he called again a blast of chilly wind whirled his voice away there was a faint echo above him and then silence again it looks as if they were out of hearing and the slope ahead of us seems uncommonly steep by the way those stones went down he remarked do you think mabel has taken carroll down the stanghill ridge i can't tell said evelyn it's comforting to remember that she knows it better than i do i think we ought to make for the hawse there's only one place that's really steep keep up to the left a little

Starting point is 01:53:25 the scale crags must be close beneath us they moved on cautiously skirting what seemed to be a pit of profound depth in which dim vapors whirled while the rain which grew thicker beat into their faces End of Chapter 6. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 7 of The Protector by Harold Bindloss. This Librovoc's recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. The Protector by Harold Bindloss. Chapter 7.

Starting point is 01:54:11 Storm stayed. The weather was not the only thing that troubled vain as he stumbled on through the mist. Any unathletic tourist from the cities could have gone up without much difficulty by the way they had ascended. But it was different coming down on the opposite side of the mountain. There their route laid across banks of sharp-pointed stones that rested lightly on the steep slope, interspersed with outcropping rocks which were growing dangerously slippery, and a wilderness of crags pierced by three great radiating chasms lay beneath.

Starting point is 01:54:51 after half an hour's arduous scramble he decided that they must be close upon the top of the last rift and stood still for a minute looking about him the mist was now so thick that he could scarcely see thirty yards ahead but the way it drove past him indicated that it was blowing up a hollow on one hand a rampart of hillside loomed dimly out of it in front there was a dark patch that looked low looked like the face of a dripping rock, and between the ladder and the hill, a boggy stretch of grass ran back into the vapor. Then he turned and glanced at Evelyn with some concern. Her skirt was heavy with moisture, and the rain dripped from the brim of her hap, but she smiled at him reassuringly. "'It's not the first time I've got wet,' she said. Vane felt relieved on one account.

Starting point is 01:55:51 he had imagined that a woman hated to feel draggled and untidy and he was willing to own that in his case fatigue usually tended towards shortness of temper though the scramble had scarcely taxed his powers he fancied that evelyn had already done as much as one could expect of her i must prospect about a bit he said scardale somewhere below us but if i remember it's an awkward descent to the head of it, and I'm not sure of the right entrance to the haze. I've only once been down this way, and that was a long while ago, Evelyn replied. Vane left her and plodded away across the grass. When he had grown scarcely distinguishable in the haze, he turned and waved his hand. I know where we are, the head of the becks close by, he cried. Evelyn joined him at the edge of a trickle of water, splashing in a peaty hollow, and they followed

Starting point is 01:56:57 it down, seeing only odd strips of hillside amidst the vapor, until at length the ground grew softer and vain, going first, sank among the long green moss almost to his knees. That won't do. Stand still, please, he said. I'll try a little to the right. he tried in one or two directions but wherever he went he sank over his boots and coming back he informed his companion that they had better go straight ahead i know there's no bog worth speaking of the hods is a regular tourist track he added and suddenly stripped off his jacket first of all you'll put this on i'm sorry i didn't think of it before evelyn demurred and he rolled up the jacket you have to choose between doing what i ask and watching me pitch it into the back he declared i'm a rather determined person and it would be a pity to throw the thing away particularly as the rain hasn't gone through it yet she yielded and after he had held up the garment while she put it on he spoke again there's another thing i'm going to carry you for the next hundred yards or possibly farther no said evelyn firmly on that point my determination is as strong as yours

Starting point is 01:58:28 vain made a sign of acquiescence you can have your way for a minute i expect it will be long enough he was correct evelyn moved forward a pace or two and then stopped with the skirt she had gathered up, brushing the quivering emerald moss, and her boots, which were high ones, hidden in the ladder. She had some difficulty in pulling them out. Then Vane coolly picked her up. All you have to do is keep still for the next few minutes, he informed her in a most matter-of-fact voice. Evelyn did not move, though had he shown any sign of self-conscious hesitation, she would at once have shaken herself loose. He was conscious of a thrill and a certain stirring of his blood, but this, he decided, must be sternly ignored, and his task occupied most of his attention. It was not an easy one, and he stumbled once or twice, but he accomplished it and set the girl

Starting point is 01:59:36 down safely on firmer ground. Now, he said, there's only the drop to the dale, but we must endeavor to keep out of the back his voice and air were unembarrassed though he was breathless and evelyn fancied that in this and the incident of the jacket he had revealed the forceful natural manners of the west it was the first glimpse she had had of them though she had watched for one and she was not displeased the man had merely done what was most advisable with practical sense A little farther on, a shoot of falling water swept out of the mist above and came splashing down a crag, spread out in frothing threads. It flowed across their path, reunited in a deep gully which they sprang across, and then fell tumultuously into the beck, which was now ten or twelve feet below on one side of them. They clung to the rock as they traced it downwards, stepping cautiously from ledge to ledge.

Starting point is 02:00:48 At times a stone plunged into the mist beneath them, and vain grasped the girl's arm or held out a steadying hand, but he was never fussy or needlessly concerned. When she wanted help, it was offered at the right moment. But that was all, and she thought that had she been alarmed, which was not the case, her companion's manner would have been more comforting than persistent solicitude. He was, she decided, one who could be relied upon in an emergency. Though caution was still necessary, the next stage of the journey was easier, and by and by they

Starting point is 02:01:30 reached a winding dale. They followed it downwards, splashing through water part of the time, and at length came into sight of a cluster of little houses, standing between a river and a big fir-wood. "'It must be getting on towards evening,' said Evelyn. Mopsy and Carol probably went down the ridge, and as it runs out lower down the valley, they'll be almost at home. "'It's six o'clock,' said Vane, glancing at his watch. "'You can't walk home in the rain, and it's a long while since long while.

Starting point is 02:02:06 lunch. If Adam Bell and his wife are still at the golden fleece, we'll get something to eat there and borrow you dry clothes. He'll drive us home afterwards. Evlin made no objections. She was very wet and beginning to feel weary, and there were some distance from home. She restored him his jacket, and a few minutes later they entered an old hostelry, which like many others among these hills was a farm as well as an inn the landlady who recognized vane with pleased surprise took evelyn away with her and afterwards provided vain with some of her husband's clothes then she lighted a fire and when she had laid out a meal in the guest-room evelyn came in attired in a dress of lilac print it's maggie bell she explained demurely her mother's things were rather large adam is away at a sheep-oction and they have only the trap he went in but they expect him back in an hour or so then we must wait said vain worse misfortunes have befallen me they made an excellent meal and then vain drew up a wicker chair to the fire for evelyn and sat down opposite to her

Starting point is 02:03:34 outside the rain dripped from the mossy flagstone eaves and the song of the river stole in monotonous cadence into the room evelyn was silent and vain said nothing for a while he had been in the air all day and though this was nothing new to him he was content to sit lazily still and leave the opening of conversation to his companion in the meanwhile it was pleasant to glance towards her now and then the pale-tinted dress became her and he felt that the room would have looked less cheerful had she been away the effect she had on him was difficult to analyze though he lazily tried she appealed to him by the grace of her carriage the poise of her head her delicate coloring and the changing lights in her eyes but behind these points something stronger and deeper was expressed through them he fancied she possessed qualities he had not hitherto encountered which would become more precious when they were fully understood he thought of her as wholesome in mind one who sought for the best but she was also endowed with an ethereal something that could not be defined then a smile struck him she was like the snow that towers high into the imperian in british columbia in which he was wrong for there was warm human passion in the girl though it was sleeping yet by and by he told himself he was getting absurdly sentimental and he instinctively fumbled for his pipe and stopped evelyn noticed this and smiled

Starting point is 02:05:27 you needn't hesitate she said the dean is redolent of cigars and gerald smokes everywhere when he is at home is he likely to turn up vane asked it's ever so long since i've seen him i'm afraid not in fact gerald's rather under a cloud just now i may as well tell you this because you are sure to hear of it sooner or later he has been extravagant and as he assures us extraordinarily unlucky stocks and shares suggested vane who was acquainted with some of the family tendencies evelyn hesitated a moment that would have been more readily forgiven him i believe he has speculated on the turf as well vain was surprised since he understood that gerald chisholm was a barrister and betting on the turf was not an amusement he would have associated with that profession then he said thoughtfully i must run up and see him later on evelyn felt sorry she had spoken gerald needed help which his father was not in a position to offer she was not censorious of other people faults but it was impossible to be blind to some aspects of her brother's character and she would have preferred that vain should not meet gerald while the latter was embarrassed by financial difficulties she changed the subject several of the things you told me about your life in canada interested me she said it must have been bracing to feel that you depended upon your own efforts and stood on your own feet free from your own

Starting point is 02:07:21 all the hampering customs that are common here. The position has its disadvantages. You have no family influence behind you, nothing to fall back upon. If you can't make good your footing, you must go down. It's curious that just before I came over here, a lady I met in Vancouver expressed an opinion very like yours. She said it must be pleasant to feel that one was,

Starting point is 02:07:49 to some extent at least, master of one's fate. Then she merely explained my meaning more clearly than I have done. One could have imagined that she has everything she could reasonably wish for. If I'm not transgressing, so have you. It's strange that you should harbor the same idea. I don't think it's uncommon among young women nowadays. There's a grander in the thought. that one's fate lies in the hands of the high unseen powers but to allow one's life to be moulded by one's neighbours prejudices and preconceptions is a different matter

Starting point is 02:08:33 besides if unrest and human striving were sent was it only that they should be repressed vain sat silent a moment or two he had noticed the brief pause and fancied that she had changed one of the words that followed it he did not think it was her neighbor's opinions the most chafed against it's not a point i've been concerned about he replied at length in a general way i did what i wanted which is a privilege that is denied to us evelyn spoke without bitterness and added a moment later what do women who are left to their own resources do in western canada some of them marry i suppose that's the most natural thing said vain with an air of reflection that amused her anyway they have plenty of opportunities there's a preponderating number of unattached young men in the newly opened parts of the dominion things are different here or perhaps we want more than they do across the atlantic said evelyn what becomes of the others they wait in the hotels learn stenography and typewriting and go into offices and stores and earn just enough to live upon meagrely if their wages are high they must pay out more that follows doesn't it to some extent is there nothing better open to them no said vain thoughtfully not unless they're trained for it and become specialized that implies peculiar abilities and a systematic education with one end in view you can't enter the arena to fight for the higher prizes unless you're properly armed

Starting point is 02:10:35 the easiest way for a woman to acquire power and influence is by a judicious marriage no doubt it's the same here it is replied evelyn smiling a man is more fortunately situated i suppose he is if he's poor he's rather walled in too but he breaks through now and then in the newer countries he gets an opportunity vain abstractly examined his pipe which he had not lighted yet it was clear that the girl was dissatisfied with her surroundings and had for some reason temporarily relaxed the restraint she generally laid upon herself but he felt that if she were wise she would force herself to be content she was of too fine a fiver to plunge into the struggle that many women had to wage and though he did not doubt her courage, she had not been trained for it. He had noticed that among men it was the cruder and less developed organizations that proved hardiest in adverse situations. One needed a strain of primitive vigor. There was, it seemed, only one means of release for her, and that was a happy marriage. But a marriage could not be happy unless the suitor was all that she

Starting point is 02:12:05 desired, and Evelyn would be fastidious, though her family would, no doubt, only look for wealth and station. He imagined that this was where the trouble lay. He would wait and keep his eyes open. Shortly after he arrived at this decision, there was a rattle of wheels outside, and the landlord, who came in, greeted him with rude cordiality. In another minute or two, Vane handed Evelyn into the gig, and Bill drove them home through the rain. End of Chapter 7. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 8 of The Protector by Harold Bendloss.

Starting point is 02:12:57 This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. The Protector by Harold Bindluss. Chapter 8. Lucy Vane Bright Sunshut. streamed down out of a cloudless sky when vane stood talking with his sister upon the terrace in front of the dean one afternoon shortly after his ascent of the pike in evelyn's company he leaned against the low wall frowning for lucy had hitherto avoided a discussion of the subject which occupied their attention and now as he would have said he could not make her listen to reason

Starting point is 02:13:41 she stood in front of him with the point of her parasol pressed firmly into the gravel and her lips set though there was a smile which suggested forbearance in her eyes lucy was tall and spare of figure a year younger than her brother and of somewhat determined character she earned her living in a northern manufacturing town by lecturing on domestic economy for the public authorities vain understood that she also took part in suffrage propaganda she had a thin forceful face which was seldom characterized by repose after all vain broke out what i've been urging is a very natural thing i don't like to think of your being forced to work as you are doing and i've tried to show that it wouldn't cost me any self-denial to make you an allowance there's no reason why you should be at the beckoned call of those committees any longer lucy's smile grew plainer i don't think that describes my position very accurately it's possible vain agreed with a trace of dryness no doubt you insist on the chairman or lady president giving way to you but that doesn't affect the question you have to work anyway but i like it and it keeps me in some degree of comfort the man turned half impatiently and glanced about him the front of the old gray house was flooded with light and the front of the old gray house was flooded with light and the man turned half impatiently and glanced about him the front of the old gray house was flooded with light and the lawn below the terrace glowed luminously green the shadows of the hollies and cypresses were thin and unsubstantial

Starting point is 02:15:32 but where a beach overarched the grass evelyn and mrs chisholm attired in light draperies reclined in basket chairs carroll who wore thin gray tweed stood close by talking to mabel and chisholm sat a little apart upon a bench with a newspaper in his hand he looked half asleep and a languorous stillness pervaded the whole scene wouldn't you like this kind of thing as well he asked of course i mean what it implies the power to take life easily and get as much enjoyment as possible out of it it wouldn't be difficult if you would only take what i'd be glad to give you he indicated the languid figures in the background you could for instance spend your time among folks like these and after all it's what you were meant to do well said lucy i believe i'm more at home with the other kind of folks those in poverty squalor and ignorance i've an idea they've a stronger claim on me but that's not a point i can urge the fact is i've chosen my career and there are practical reasons why i shouldn't abandon it i had a good deal of trouble in getting a footing and if i fell out now it would be harder still to take my place in the ranks again but you wouldn't require to do so i can't be sure i don't want to hurt you but after all your success was sudden and one understands that it isn't wise to depend upon an income derived from mining properties none of you ever did believe in me i suppose there's some truth in that you really did give us some trouble

Starting point is 02:17:34 somehow you were different you wouldn't fit in though i believe the same thing applied to me for that matter and now you don't expect my prosperity to last the girl hesitated but she was candid by nature perhaps i had better answer you have it in you to work determinedly and when it's necessary to do things that men with less courage would shrink from but i doubt if yours is the temperament that leads to success you haven't the huckster's instincts you're not cold-blooded enough you wouldn't cajole your friends or truckle to your enemies if i adopted the latter course it would be very much against the grain vain confessed lucy laughed well she said i mean to go on earning my living but you can take me up to london for a few days and buy me some hats and things then i don't mind you giving something to the emancipation society i don't know if i believe in emancipation or not but you can have ten guineas thank you said lucy glancing round towards carroll who was approaching them with mabel i'll give you a piece of advice stick to that man he's cooler and less headstrong than you are he'll prove a useful friend carol came up just then what are you two talking about he asked you look animated wallace has just promised me ten guineas to assist the movement for the emancipation of women lucy answered pointedly i may mention that our society's efforts are sadly restricted by the lack of funds

Starting point is 02:19:33 he's now and then a little inconsequential in his generosity carol rejoined i didn't know he was interested in that kind of thing but as i don't like to be outdone by my partner i'll subscribe the same thanks said lucy who made an entry in a pocket-book in a business-like manner they strolled along the terrace together and as they went down the steps to the lawn carol inquired with a smile have you tackled chisholm yet i would have done so had it appeared likely to have been of any use but i never waste powder and shot lucy replied a man of his restricted views would sooner subscribe handsomely to put us down carol turned to his comrade are you regretting the ten guineas you don't look pleased no said vain the fact is i wanted to do something which wasn't allowed i've met with the same disillusionment here as i did in british columbia lucy looked up at her brother did you attempt to give somebody money there i did said vain said vain said shortly. It's not worth discussing, and anyway she wouldn't listen to me. They strolled on, vain frowning, while Carol, who had seen signs of suppressed interest in Lucy's face, smiled unobserved. Neither he nor the others had noticed Mabel, who was following them.

Starting point is 02:21:18 They joined the rest, and some time afterwards, Mrs. Chisholm addressed Carol, who was lying, back in a deep chair with his eyes which were half closed turned in lucy's direction are you asleep or thinking hard she asked not more than half asleep carol protested i was trying to remember a dream of fair women it struck me as a suitable occupation for a drowsy summer afternoon in a place like this but i must confess that it was miss vain who put it into my head. She reminded me of one or two of the heroines not long ago, when she was championing the cause of the suffragist. You mustn't imagine that English women in general sympathize with her, or that such ideas are popular at the dean, Mrs. Chishol rejoined. Carol smiled reassuringly. I wouldn't have imagined the latter for a moment. but as i said on an afternoon of this kind one can be excused for indulging in romantic fancies and don't you see what brought those old-time heroines into my mind i mean the elusive resemblance to their latter-day prototype

Starting point is 02:22:42 mrs chisholm looked puzzled no she declared one of them was greek another early english and the finest of all-heed was the Hebrew made. As they couldn't even have been like one another, how could they have collectively borne a resemblance to anyone else?" That's logical on the surface. To digress, why do you most admire Jephthah's daughter, the gentle Gileadite? His hostess affected surprise. Isn't it evident, when one remembers her patient sacrifice, her fine sense of family honor. Carol felt that this was much the kind of sentiment one could have expected from her, and he

Starting point is 02:23:33 did her justice in believing that it was genuine and that she was capable of acting up to her convictions. His glance rested on vain for a moment, and the latter was startled as he guessed his comrades thought. Evelyn sat near him, reclining languidly in a wicker chair. She had been silent, and now her face was in repose. The signs of reserve and repression were plainer than ever. There was, however, pride in it, and he felt that she was endowed with a keener and finer

Starting point is 02:24:09 sense of family honor than her mother. Her brother's career was threatened by the results of his own imprudence, and though her father could hardly be compared with the Gileadite warrior, there was, bane-imagined. a disturbing similarity between the two cases it was unpleasant to contemplate the possibility of this girl's being called upon to bear the cost of her relations misfortunes or follies carol however looked across at lucy with a smile you don't agree with mrs chisholm he suggested no said lucy firmly leaving the instance in question out there are too many people who transgress and then expect somebody else a woman as a rule to serve as a sacrifice i don't agree either mabel broke in i'd sooner have been cleopatra or joan of arc only she was burned poor thing that was only what she might have expected an unpleasant fate generally overtakes people who go about disturbing things mrs chisholm said severely the speech was characteristic and the others smiled it would have astonished them had mrs chisholm sympathized with the rebel idealist whose beckoning visions led to the clash of arms then vain turned to his comrade

Starting point is 02:25:45 aren't you getting off the track he asked i don't see the drift of your previous remarks well said carroll with an air of reflection there must be i think a certain distinctive stamp upon those who belong to the leader type i mean the folks who are capable of doing striking and heroic things apart from this i've been studying you english and it has struck me that there's occasionally something imperious or rather imperial in the face of your women in the most northern counties i can't define the thing but it's there-in-the-the-thing in the line of your women in the most northern counties i can't define the thing but it's there in the line of nose the mouth and i think most marked in the brows it's not saxon or norse or danish i'd sooner call it roman vain was slightly astonished he had seen that look in evelyn's face and now for the first time he recognized it in his sisters i wonder if you have hit it he said with a laugh you can reach the wall from here in a day day's ride the wall the roman wall hadrian's wall i believe one authority states they had a garrison of a hundred thousand men to keep it chisholm joined the group he was a tall rather florid-faced man with a formal manner dressed immaculately in creaseless clothes the point carol raises is interesting he remarked well i don't know how long it takes for a strain to die out there must have been a large civil population living near the wall and we know that the characteristics of the teutonic peoples who followed the romans still remain

Starting point is 02:27:43 nobody else had any comment to make and when by-and-by the group broke up evelyn was left alone for a few minutes with mabel gerald should have been sent to canada instead of oxford she said then he might have got as rich as wallace vane and mr carroll what makes you think they're rich evelyn asked with reproof in her tone oh said mabel we all knew they were rich before they came and they were giving lucy guineas for the suffragists an hour ago they must have a good deal of money to waste it like that besides i think wallace wanted her to take some more and he seemed quite vexed when he said he'd tried to give money to somebody else in canada who wouldn't have it as he said she it must have been a woman but i don't think he meant to mention that it slipped out you had no right to listen evelyn retorted severely but the information sank into her mind and she afterwards remembered it end of chapter eight recording by roger maline chapter nine of the protector by harold binloss this librovoc's recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline the protector by harold binluss chapter nine chisholm proves amenable vane spent a month at the dean with quiet satisfaction and when at last he left for london and paris he gladly promised to come back for another few weeks before he sailed for canada he stayed some time in paris because carol insisted on it

Starting point is 02:29:49 but it was with eagerness he went north again for one reason and he laid some stress upon this he longed for the moorland air and the rugged fells though he also admitted that evelyn's society enhanced their charm for him at last shortly before setting out on the journey he took himself to task and endeavored to determine what his feelings towards her were but he signally failed to elucidate the point it was only clear that he was more contented in her presence and that apart from her physical comeliness she had a stimulating effect upon his mental faculties although so far as he could remember she seldom said anything remarkable then he wondered how she regarded him and to this question he could find no answer for the most part there was a reserve he found more piquant than deterrent about her and he was conscious that while willing to talk with him freely she was still holding him off at arm's length on the whole he could not be absolutely sure that he desired to get much nearer though he failed to admit this clearly his attitude was largely one of respectful admiration with a vein of compassion in it evelyn was unhappy and out of harmony with her relatives which he could understand more readily because their ideas often jarred on him. He had been back at the dean a fortnight, when one morning he walked out of the hamlet where

Starting point is 02:31:29 the Wheelwright shop was with a telegram in his hand. Sitting down on the wall of a bridge close by, he turned to Carol, who had accompanied him. I think you have Nairn's code in your wallet, he said. We'll decipher the thing. laid the message upon a smooth stone and set to work with a pencil. Situation highly satisfactory, he read aloud, and commented, It must be, if Nairn paid for another word. Highly's not in the code.

Starting point is 02:32:06 Then he went on with the deciphering. Result of reduction exceeds anticipations. Stock, 30, premium. Your presence not immediately reaffirming. required that's distinctly encouraging said vane now they're getting farther in the ore must be carrying more silver it's fortunate i ran through the bank account last night and you have spent a lot of money it confirms my opinion that you have expensive friends vane frowned at this but carroll continued undeterred you want pulling up after the way you've been indulging in a reckless extravagance which i feel compelled to point out is new to you the check drawn in favor of gerald chisholm rather astonished me have you said anything about it to his relatives i haven't vain answered shortly then judging by the little i saw of him i should consider it most unlikely that he has made any allusion to the matter

Starting point is 02:33:18 the next check was more surprising i mean the one you gave his father they were both loans have you any expectation of getting the money back what is that to do with you carol spread out his hands only this i think you need looking after we can't stay here indefinitely hadn't you better get back to vancouver before your english friends ruin you i'll go in three or four weeks not before carol sat silent a minute or two and then he looked his companion squarely in the face is it your intention to marry evelyn chism i don't know what has put that into your mind i should be astonished if it hadn't suggested itself to her family carroll retorted i'm far from sure it's an idea they'd entertain with any great favor for one thing i can't live here try them and see show them nairn's telegram when you mention the matter. Vane swung himself down from the wall. "'It's very possible that I may do so,' he informed his comrade. "'But we'll get along.'

Starting point is 02:34:46 His heart beat more rapidly than usual as they turned back towards the house, but he was perfectly composed when, some little time later, he sat down beside Chisholm, who was lounging away the morning on the lawn. i've been across to the village for a telegram i expected he announced the news is encouraging he read it to chisholm who had determined on the line he meant to follow you're a fortunate man he said there's probably no reasonable wish that you can't gratify there are things one can't buy with dollars vane replied that is very true they're often the most valuable on the other hand some of them may now and then be had for the asking besides when one has a sanguine temperament it's difficult to believe that anything one sets one heart upon is quite unattainable vane wondered if he had been given a hint chishol's manner was suggestive and carroll's remarks had had an effect on him he sat silent and chishol spoke again if i were in your place i should feel i had all i could desire within my reach vane was becoming sure that his comrade had been right

Starting point is 02:36:15 chisholm would not have harped upon the same idea unless he had intended to convey some particular meaning but the man's methods roused vane's dislike he could face opposition and he would sooner have been discouraged than judiciously prompted then if i offered myself as a suitor for evelyn you would not think me presumptuous he said chisholm was somewhat surprised at his abruptness but he smiled reassuringly no he said i can't see why i should do so you are in a position to maintain a wife in comfort and i don't think anybody could take exception to your character he paused a moment i suppose you have some idea of how evelyn regards you i haven't the faintest notion vane confessed that's the trouble would you like me to mention the matter no said vane decidedly in fact i must ask you not to do anything of the kind i only wish to make sure of your good will and now i'm satisfied on that point i'd say you'd say you'd you'd not to do anything of the kind i only wish to make sure of your good will and now i'm satisfied on that point i'd say that point i'd say you'd say you'd sooner wait and speak when it seems judicious chisholm nodded yes he said indulgently i dare say that would be wisest vain who thanked him waited he fancied that the transaction which seemed the best name for it was not complete yet but he meant to leave what should follow to his companion he would not help the man there's a matter which had better be mentioned now distasteful as it is chisholm said at length i can settle nothing upon evelyn

Starting point is 02:38:15 as you must have guessed my affairs are in a far from promising state indeed i'm afraid i may have to ask your indulgence when the loan falls due and i don't mind confessing that the prospect of evelyn's making what i think is a suitable marriage is a relief to me vain's feelings were somewhat mixed but contempt figured prominently among them he could find no fault with chisholm's desire to safeguard his daughter's future but he was convinced that the man looked for more than this he felt he had been favored with a delicate hint to which his companion expected an answer well he said curtly you need not be concerned about the loan to go a little farther i should naturally take an interest in the welfare of my wife's relatives i don't think i can say anything more in the meanwhile he knew that he might have spoken more plainly without offence when he saw chisholm's smile but the latter looked satisfied those are the views i expected you to hold he declared i believe mrs chisholm will share my gratification if you find evelyn disposed to listen to you vain left him shortly afterwards with a sense of shame he felt he had bought the girl and that if she ever heard of it she would find it hard to forgive him for the course he had taken by and by he met carol who looked at him inquiringly i've had a talk with chisholm said vane it has upset my temper i feel mean there is no doubt that you were right

Starting point is 02:40:10 carol smiled and showed that he could guess what was in his comrade's mind i wouldn't worry too much about the thing he replied the girl probably understands the situation It's not pleasant, but I expect she's more or less resigned to it. She can't help herself. Vane gazed at him with anger. Does that make it any better? Is it any comfort to me? Take her out of it. If she has any liking for you, she'll thank you for doing so afterwards. Vane, who made no answer, strode away, and nobody saw any more of him. for an hour or two. He had her father's consent, but he felt he could not plead his cause with

Starting point is 02:41:02 Evelyn just then. With her parents on his side, she was at a disadvantage, and he shrank from the thought that she might be forced upon him against her will. This was not what he desired, and she might hate him for it afterwards. She was very alluring. There had been signs of a an unusual gentleness in her manner, but he wanted time to win her favor, aided only by such gifts as he had been endowed with. It cost him a determined effort, but he made up his mind to wait. End of Chapter 9. Recording by Roger Maline.

Starting point is 02:41:53 Chapter 10 of the Protector by Harold Binloss. This Liberbox recording is in the public domain. by Roger Maline. The Protector by Harold Bindloss. Chapter 10 With the Otter Hounds A week or two had slipped away since Vane's eventful interview

Starting point is 02:42:17 when he lounged upon the terrace after breakfast, chatting with Carol. Suddenly a long, faint howl came up the valley and was answered by another in a deeper note. Then a confused swelling clink.

Starting point is 02:42:33 clamor which slightly resembled the sound of chiming bells broke out softened by the distance carol stopped and listened what in the name of wonder is that he asked the first of it reminded me of a coyote howling but the rest's more like the noise the timber wolves make in the bush at night you haven't made a bad shot vane laughed it's a pack of otter hounds hot upon the scent The sound ceased, as suddenly as it had begun, but a few moments later Mabel came running towards the men. I knew the hounds met at Patton Brigg, but Jim was sure they'd gone downstream, she cried breathlessly. They're coming up, and I think they're at the pool below the village. Get two poles, you'll find some in the tool shed, and come along at once. She clambered into the house through a window, calling for Evelyn, and Carol smiled. We have our orders, he remarked. I suppose we'd better go.

Starting point is 02:43:45 It's one of the popular sports up here, said Vane. You may as well see it. They set out a few minutes later, accompanied by Evelyn, while Mabel hurried on in front and reproached them for their tardiness. at length after crossing several wet fields they came into a rushy meadow on the edge of the river which spread out into a wide pool fringed with alders which had not yet lost their leaves and the bare wreaths of osiers there was a swift stream at the head of it and a long rippling shallow at the tail and a very mixed company was scattered along the bank and in the water a red-coated man with whip and horn stood in the tail outflow and three or four more with poles in their hands were spread out across the stream behind him these and one or two in the head stream appeared by their dress to belong to the hunt but the rest among whom were a few women were attired in every-day garments and of different walks in life artisans laborers people of leisure and a belated tourist or two three or four big hounds were swimming aimlessly up and down the pool a dozen more or thereabouts trotted to and fro along the water's edge stopping to sniff and give tongue in an uncertain manner now and then but there was no sign of an otter

Starting point is 02:45:21 carroll looked round with a smile when his companion stopped there'll be very little work done in this neighborhood to-day he said i'd no idea there were so many folks in the valley with time to spare the only thing that's missing is the beast thereafter an otter is an almost invisible creature evelyn explained you very seldom see one unless it's hard pressed by the dogs there are a good many in the river but even the troutfishers who were about at sunrise in the hot weather and wade in the dusk rarely come across them are you going to take a share in the hunt no replied carol glancing humorously at his pole i don't know what i brought this thing for unless it was because mopsie sent me for it i'd sooner stay and watch with you splashing through a river and after a little beast which i don't suppose they'd let an outsider kill doesn't interest me and i don't see why i should want to kill it anyway some of you english people have sporting ideas i can't understand i struck a young man the other day a well-educated man by the look of him who was spending the afternoon happily with a ferret by a cornstack killing rats with a club he seemed uncommonly pleased with himself because he'd got four of them oh exclaimed mabel you're as bad as the silly people who call killing things cruelty i wouldn't have thought it of you i've seen him said vane drop a deer going almost as fast as a locomotive through thick brush with a single shot rifle and i believe he once assisted in killing a panther in a thicket you couldn't see two yards ahead in

Starting point is 02:47:21 the point is that he meant to eat the deer and the panther had been taking a rancher's hogs then i'm sorry i brought him said mabel decidedly he's not a sportsman i really think there's some excuse for the more vigorous sports evelyn declared of course you can't eliminate a certain amount of cruelty but admitting that isn't it just as well that men who live in a luxurious civilization should be willing to plod through miles of heather after grouse risk their limbs on horseback or spend hours in cold water these are bracing things they imply moral discipline it can't be nice to ride at a dangerous fence or flounder down a rapid after an otter when you're stiff with cold the effort to do so must be wholesome a sure thing carol agreed the only drawback is that when you've got your fox or otter it isn't worth anything a good many of the folks in the newer life lands have to make something of the kind of effort you described every day in their case the results are wagon trails valleys cleared for orchards new branch railroads i suppose it's a matter of opinion but if i'd put in a season's risky work i'd sooner have a piece of land to grow fruit on or a share in a mineral claim you get plenty of excitement in prospecting than a far fox's tail. But there are people in Canada who wouldn't agree with me. He strolled along the

Starting point is 02:49:11 water's edge with Evelyn and presently looked around. Mopsie's gone and I don't see Vane, he said. After all, he's one of us. If you're born in the North country, it's hard to keep out of the river when you hear the otter hounds. They took up their station behind a growth of alders and for a while the dogs went trotting by in twos and threes or swam about the pool but nothing else broke the surface of the leaden-colored water then there was a cry an outbreak of shouting a confused baying and half a dozen hounds dashed past evelyn stretched out her hand look she said carroll saw a small grace the top of the otter's head moving across the slacker part of the pool with a very slight wedge-shaped ripple trailing away from it it sank next moment a bubble or two rows and then there was nothing but the smooth flow of water a horn called shrilly a few whip-cracks rang out like pistol shots and the dogs took to the water swimming slowly here and there men scrambled along the bank and while some entering the river reinforced the line spread out across the head rapid others joined the second row wading steadily upstream and splashed about as they advanced with iron-tipped poles

Starting point is 02:50:51 nothing rewarded their efforts the dogs turned and went down stream and then suddenly everybody ran or waded towards the tall outflow a clamor of shouting and baying broke out and floundering men and swimming dogs went down the stream together in a confused mass then there was silence and the hounds came out and trotted to and fro along the bank up which dripping men clambered after them. Evlin laughed as she pointed to Vane, who looked wetter than most among the leading group. I don't suppose he meant to go in. It's in the blood, she said. There's no reason why he shouldn't if it amuses him, Carol replied. A little later, the dogs were driven in again, and this time the hole of the otter's head was visible as it swam upstream. the animal was flagging and on reaching shoaler water it sprang out altogether now and then rising and falling in the stronger stream with a curious serpentine motion in fact as head and body bent in the same sinuous curves it looked less like an animal than a plunging fish the men guarding the rapid stood ready with their poles and more were waiting and splashing up both

Starting point is 02:52:21 sides of the pool. The otter's pace was getting slower. Sometimes it seemed to stop, and now and then it vanished among the ripples. Carol saw that Evelyn's face was intent, though there were signs of shrinking in it. Now, he said, I'll tell you what you are thinking. You want that poor little beast to get away. I believe I do, Evelyn confessed. they watched with strained attention the girl could not help it though she dreaded the climax her sympathies were now with the hard-pressed exhausted creature that was making a desperate fight for life the pursuers were close behind it the swimming dogs leading them and ahead lay a foaming rush of water which did not seem more than a foot deep with men spread out across it the shouting from the bank had ceased and everybody waited in intense expectancy when the otter disappeared the dogs reached the rapid where they were washed back a few yards before they could make head upstream men who came splashing close upon their tails left the river to scramble along its edge and then stopped abruptly while the dogs swam in an uncertain manner about the still reach

Starting point is 02:53:49 beyond. They came out in a few minutes and scampered up and down among the stones, evidently at fault, for there was no sign of the otter anywhere. The hunted creature had crept up the rush of water among the feet of those who watched for it, and vanished unseen into the sheltering depths beyond. Evelyn sighed with relief. I think it will escape, she said. The river's rather full after the rain, which is against the dogs, and there isn't another shallow for some distance. Shall we go on? They strolled forward behind the dogs, which were again moving upstream.

Starting point is 02:54:37 But they turned aside to avoid a wood, and it was some time later when they came out upon a rocky promontory dropping steeply to the river. The hunt was now widely scattered about, the reach. Men crept along slippery ledges above the water and moved over steeply slanting slopes, half hidden among the trees. A few were in the river, and three or four of the dogs were swimming. The rest, spread out in twos and threes, trotted to and fro among the undergrowth. Carol did not think that they were following any scent, but a figure creeping along the foot of the rock

Starting point is 02:55:18 not far away, presently seized his attention. It's Mopsy, he said. The foothold doesn't look very safe among those stones, and there seems to be deep water below. He called out in warning, but the girl did not heed. The willows were thinner at the spot she had reached, and squeezing herself through them, she leaned down, clinging to an alder branch. He's gone to a alder branch. He's gone to Holt among the roots, she cried. Three or four men came running along the opposite bank and apparently decided that she was right,

Starting point is 02:55:59 for the horn was sounded, and here and there a dog broke through the underbrush. Then, just as the first-comers reached the rapid, there was a splash. It was a moment or two before Evelyn or Carol, who had been watching the dogs, realized what had happened, and then the blood ebbed from the girl's face.

Starting point is 02:56:22 Mabel had disappeared. Running a few paces forward, Carol saw what looked like a bundle of spread-out garments swing round in an eddy. It washed in among the willows, and he heard a faint cry. Somebody help me! Quick! I've caught a branch! He could not see the girl now,

Starting point is 02:56:45 but an alderbao was bending sharp. and he flung a rapid glance around him. The summit of the rock he stood upon rose above the trees, and though he would have faced the risky fall, had there been a better landing, it seemed impossible to alight among the stones without a broken leg. Further downstream, he might reach the water by a reckless jump, because the promontory sloped towards it there.

Starting point is 02:57:14 But he would not be able to swim back against the country, current his position was a painful one it looked as if there was nothing that he could do next moment men and dogs went scrambling and swimming down the rapid but they were in hot pursuit of the otter which had left its hiding-place and it was evident that the girl had escaped their attention carroll shouted savagely as his comrade appeared among the tail of the hunt below the others were too occupied to heed or perhaps concluded that he was urging them on but vain who was in the water seemed to understand in another few minutes he was swimming down the pool along the edge of the alders then carol saw that evelyn expected him to take some part in the rescue get down before it's too late she cried carol spread out his hand as if to beg her forbearance, and while every impulse urged him to the leap, he endeavored to keep his head. "'I can't do any good just now,' he answered, knowing he was right and yet feeling horribly ashamed. "'She's holding on, and Wallace will reach her in a moment or two.'

Starting point is 02:58:39 Evelyn broke out on him in an agony of fear and anger. "'You coward!' she cried will you let her drown she turned and ran forward but carroll dreading that she meant to attempt the descent seized her shoulder and held her fast while he grappled with her vane's voice rose from below and he let his hands drop wallace has her there's no more danger he said evelyn suddenly recovered some degree of calm standing breathless a pace or two apart they saw vain and the girl appear from beneath the willows and wash away down stream the man was swimming but he was hampered by his burden and once he and mabel almost sank from sight in a whirling eddy carol said nothing but he turned and ran along the sloping ridge until where the fall was less and the trees were thinner he leaped out into the air he broke through the alders amidst a rustle of bending boughs and disappeared but a moment later his head rose out of the water close beside vane and the two men went down stream with mabel between them

Starting point is 03:00:04 evelyn scrambled wildly along the ridge and when she reached the foot of it vane was helping mabel up the sloping bank of gravel the girl's drenched garments clung about her her wet hair was streaked across her face but she seemed able to stand and she was speaking in jerky gasps the hunt had swept on through shoaler water but there was a cheer from the stragglers across the river evelyn clutched her sister half laughing half sobbing and incoherently upbraided her mabel shook herself free and her first remark was characteristic oh she said don't make a silly fuss then she tried to shake out her dripping skirt i'm only wet through wallace take me home vane picked her up which was what she seemed to expect and the others followed when he pushed through the underbrush towards a neighboring meadow evelyn however was still a little unnerved and when they reached a gap in a wall she stopped, and leaning against the stones, turned to Carol. "'I think I'm more disturbed than Mopsie is,' she said. "'What I felt must be some excuse for me.

Starting point is 03:01:31 "'I'm sorry for what I said. It was unjustifiable. "'Anyway, it was perfectly natural, "'but I must confess that I felt some temptation to make a fool of myself. "'I might have jumped into those alders, but it's most unlikely that i could have got out of them evelyn looked at him with a faint respect she had not trouble to point out that he had not flinched from the leap when it seemed likely to be of service how had you the sense to think of that she asked i suppose it's a matter of practice carol answered with amusement one can't work among the ranges and rivers without learning to make the right decision rapidly when you don't you get badly the thing has to be cultivated it's not instinctive evelyn was struck by the explanation this acquired coolness was a finer thing and undoubtedly more useful than hot-headed gallantry though she admired the latter

Starting point is 03:02:41 wallace was splendid in the water she broke out uttering part of her thoughts aloud i thought rather more of him in the city carroll replied that kind of thing was new to him and i'm inclined to believe-i thought rather more of him in the city carol replied that kind of thing was new to him and i'm inclined to believe i'd have let the folks he had to negotiate with have the mind for a good deal less than what he eventually got for it but i've said something about that before and after all i'm not here to play boswell the girl was surprised at the apt illusion it was not what she would have expected from the man since she had not recovered her composure she forgot what vain had told her about him and her comment was an incocious one how did you hear of him carol parried this with a smile oh he said you don't suppose you can keep those old fellows to yourselves They're international. But hadn't we better be getting on? Let me help you through the gap. They reached the dean some time later,

Starting point is 03:03:53 and Mabel, very much against her wishes, was sent to bed, while shortly afterwards Carol came across Vane, who had changed his clothes, strolling up and down among the shrubberies. "'What are you doing here?' he asked. Bain looked embarrassed. For one thing, I'm keeping out of Mrs. Chisholm's way. She's inclined to be effusive.

Starting point is 03:04:21 For another, I'm trying to decide what I ought to do. We'll have to pull out very shortly, and I had meant to have had an interview with Evelyn today. That's why I feel uncommonly annoyed with Mopsy for falling in. Carol made a grimace. if that's how it strikes you any advice i could offer would be wasted a sensible man would consider it a promising opportunity and trade upon it do you really want the girl that impression's firmly in my mind said vane curtly then you had better pitch your quixotic notions overboard and tell her so vane made no answer and carol seeing that his comrade was not inclined to be communicative left him end of chapter ten recording by roger maline chapter eleven of the protector by harold binloss this libervox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline the protector by harold binloss chapter eleven

Starting point is 03:05:47 vain withdraws dusk was drawing on when vain strolled along the terrace in front of the dean he was preoccupied and eager but fully aware of the need for coolness because it was very possible that he might fail in the task he had in hand by and by he saw evelyn whom he had been waiting for crossed the opposite end of the terrace and moving forward he joined her at the entrance to a shrubbery walk a big clipped ewe with a recess in which a seat had been placed stood close by i've been sitting with mopsie said evelyn she seems very little the worse for her adventure thanks to you she hesitated and her voice grew softer i owe you a heavy debt i am very fond of mopsie it's a great pity she fell in vain declared evelyn looked at him with surprise she scarcely thought he could regret the efforts he had made on her sister's behalf but that was what his words implied the trouble is that the thing might seem to give me some claim on you and i don't want that he explained it cost me no more than a wedding i hadn't the least difficulty in getting her out his companion was still puzzled she could find no fault with him for being modest about his exploit but that he should make it clear that he did not require her gratitude seem to her unnecessary for all that you did bring her out she persisted i don't seem to be beginning very fortunately vain replied

Starting point is 03:07:39 what i mean is that i don't want to urge my claim if i have one i'd sooner be taken on my merits he paused a moment with a smile that's not much better is it but it partly expresses what i feel leaving mopsie out altogether let me try to explain i don't wish you to be influenced by anything except your own idea of me i'm saying this because one or two points that seem in my favor may have a contrary effect evelyn made no answer and he indicated the seat won't you sit down i have something more to say the girl did as he suggested and his smile faded now he went on you won't be astonished if i ask if you will marry me he stood looking down on her with an impressive steadiness of gaze she could imagine him facing the city men from whom he had extorted the full value of his mind in the same fashion and in a later instance so surveying the eddies beneath the ozion when he had gone to Mabel's rescue. She felt that they had better understand one another. No, she said.

Starting point is 03:09:04 If I must be candid, I am not astonished. Then the color crept into her cheeks as she met his gaze. I suppose it is an honor, and it is undoubtedly a temptation. A temptation? Yes, said Evelyn, mustering her. her courage to face a crisis she had dreaded. It is only due to you that you should hear the truth, though I think you suspected. I have some liking for you.

Starting point is 03:09:37 That is what I wanted you to own, Vane broke in. She checked him with a gesture. Her manner was cold, and yet there was something in it that stirred him more than her beauty. After all, she answered, it does not have a matter. go very far and you must try to understand. I want to be quite honest, and what I have to say is difficult. In the first place, things are far from pleasant for me here. I was expected to make a good marriage, and I had my chance in London. I refuse to profit by it, and now I'm a failure. I wonder if you can realize what a temptation it is to get away.

Starting point is 03:10:24 yes he said it makes me savage to think of it i can at least take you out of all this if you hadn't had a very fine courage you wouldn't have told me evelyn smiled a curious wry smile it has only prompted me to behave as most people would consider shamelessly but there are times when one must get above that point of view besides there is a reason for my candor had you been a man of different stamp it's possible that i might have been driven into taking the risk we should both have suffered for a time but through open variants we might have reached an understanding not to intrude on one another as it is i could not do you that injustice and i should shrink from marrying you with only a little cold liking the man held himself firmly in hand her calmless had infected him and he felt that this was not an occasion for romantic protestations even had he felt capable of making them which was not the case as a matter of fact such things were singularly foreign to his nature even that would go a long way with me if i could get nothing better he declared besides you might change i could surround you with some comfort i think i could promise not to force my company upon you i believe i could be kind yes assented evelyn i shouldn't be afraid of harshness from you but it seems impossible that i should change you must see that you started handicapping from the beginning had i been free to choose it might have been different

Starting point is 03:12:23 but i have lived for some time in shame and fear hating the thought that someone would be forced on me he said nothing and she went on must i tell you you're the man his face grew hard and for a moment he set his lips tight. It would have been a relief to express his feelings concerning his host just then. If you don't hate me for it now, I'm willing to take the risk, he said at length. It will be my fault if you hate me in the future. I'll try not to deserve it. He imagined she was yielding, but she roused herself with an effort. No, she said.

Starting point is 03:13:09 love on one side may go a long way, if it is strong enough, but it must be strong to overcome the many clashes of thought and will. Yours, she looked at him steadily, would not stand the strain. Vane started. You are the only woman I ever wish to marry. He paused with a forcible gesture. What can I say to convince you? She smiled softly.

Starting point is 03:13:41 I'm afraid it's impossible. If you had wanted me greatly, you would have pressed the claim you had in saving Mopsy, and I would have forgiven you that. You would have urged any and every claim. As it is, I suppose I am pretty, her lips curled scornfully, and you find some of your ideas and mine agree.

Starting point is 03:14:06 It isn't half enough. shall i tell you that you are scarcely moved as yet it flashed upon vain that he was confronted with the reality her beauty had appealed to him but without rousing passion for there was little of the sensual in this man her other qualities her reserved graciousness which had a tinge of dignity in it her insight and comprehension had also had their effect but they had only awakened admiration and respect he desired her as one desires an object for its rarity and preciousness but this as she had told him was not enough behind her physical and mental attributes and half revealed by them there was something deeper the real personality of the girl it was elusive mystic with a spark of immaterial immaterial radiance which might brighten human love with its transcendent glow. But, as he dimly realized, if he won her by force, it might recede and vanish altogether. He could not, with strong ardor, compel its clearer manifestation.

Starting point is 03:15:27 I think I am as moved as it is possible for me to be, he said. Evelyn shook her head. no you will discover the difference some day and then you will thank me for leaving you your liberty now i beg you to leave me mine and let me go vain stood silent a minute or two for the last appeal had stirred him to chivalrous pity he was shrewd enough to realize that if he persisted he could force her to come to him her father and mother were with him she had nothing no commonplace usefulness or trained abilities to fall back upon if she defied them but it was unthinkable that he should abruptly compel her well he said at length i must try to face the situation i want to assure you that it is not a pleasant one to me but there's another point i'm afraid i've made things worse for you your people will probably blame you for sending me away. Evelyn did not answer this, and he broke into a little grim smile.

Starting point is 03:16:45 Now, he added, I think I can save you any trouble on that score, though the course I'm going to take isn't flattering, if you look at it in one way. I want you to leave me to deal with your father. He took her consent for granted, and leaning down, laid a hand, on her shoulder you will try to forgive me for the anxiety i have caused you the time i've spent here has been very pleasant but i'm going back to canada in a few days perhaps you'll think of me without bitterness now and then he turned away and evelyn sat still glad that the strain was over and thinking earnestly the man was gentle and considerate as well as forceful and she liked him indeed she admitted that she had not met any man she liked as much but that was not going very far then she began to wonder at her candor and to consider if it had been necessary it was curious that this was the only man she had ever taken into her confidence and her next suitor would probably be a much less promising specimen on the other hand it was a very man she had ever taken into her confidence and her next suitor would probably be a much less promising specimen on the other hand it was

Starting point is 03:18:05 consoling to remember that eligible suitors for the daughter of an impoverished gentleman were likely to be scarce. It had grown dark when she rose, and, entering the house, went up to Mabel's room. The girl looked at her sharply as she came in. "'So you have got rid of him,' she said. "'I think you're very silly.' "'How did you know?' Evelyn asked with a start. I heard him walking up and down the terrace, and I heard you go out. You can't walk over a raked gravel without making a noise.

Starting point is 03:18:43 He went along to join you, and it was a good while before you came back at different times. I've been waiting for this the last day or two. Evelyn sat down with a strange smile. Well, she said, I have sent him away. Mabel regarded her indignantly. Then you'll never get another chance like this one. If you had only taken him, I could have worn decent frocks. Nobody could call the last one that.

Starting point is 03:19:16 This was a favorite grievance, and Evelyn ignored it. But Mabel had more to say. I suppose, she went on, you don't know that Wallace has been getting Gerald out of trouble? Are you sure of that? evelyn asked sharply yes said mabel i'll tell you what i know wallace saw gerald in london he told us that and we all know that gerald couldn't pay his debts a little while since you remember he came down to kendall and went on and stayed the next night with the clayton's it isn't astonishing that he didn't come here after the row there was in the last occasion go on said evelyn what has his visit to the clayton's to do with it well said mabel you don't know that i saw gerald in the afternoon

Starting point is 03:20:13 after all he's the only brother i've got and as jim was going to the station with the trap i made him take me the claytons were in the garden we were scattered about and i heard frank and gerald who had strolled off from the others talking gerald was telling him about some things he had bought they must have been expensive because frank asked him where he got the money gerald laughed and said he had had an unexpected stroke of luck and that they had set him straight again now of course gerald got no money from home and if he'd wanted he would have told frank how he did so gerald always would tell a thing like that evelyn was filled with confusion and hot indignation she had little doubt that mabel's surmise was correct i wonder if he has told anybody though it's scarcely likely she said of course he hasn't we all know what gerald is wallace ought to get his money back now you have sent him away mabel who had waited a moment or two went on but of course that's most unlikely it wouldn't take gerald long to waste it evelyn rose and making some excuse left the room a suspicion which had troubled her more than gerald's conduct had lately crept into her mind and it now thrust itself upon her attention several things pointed to the fact that her father had taken a similar course to that which her brother had taken she felt that had she heard mabel's information before the interview with vane she might have yielded to him in an agony of humiliation

Starting point is 03:22:10 mabel had summed up the situation with stinging candor and crudity vane who had been defrauded was entitled to recover the money he had parted with for a few moments evelyn was furiously angry with him and then growing calmer she recognized that this was unreasonable. She could not imagine any idea of a compact originating with the man, and he had quietly acquiesced in her decision. Soon after she left her sister, Vane walked into the room, which Chisholm reserved for his own use. Chisholm was sitting at the table with some papers in front of him and a cigar in his hand,

Starting point is 03:22:55 and Vane drew out a chair and lighted his pipe before he addressed him. i've made up my mind to sail on saturday instead of next week he said you have decided rather suddenly haven't you vain knew that what his host wished to inquire about was the cause of his decision and he meant to come to the point he was troubled by no consideration for the man the last news i had indicated that i was wanted he replied after all there was only one reason why i have abused mrs chisholm's hospitality so long well said chisholm with an abruptness which hinted at anxiety you will remember what i asked you some time ago i had better say that i abandoned the idea chisholm started and his florid face grew redder while vain in place of embarrassment was conscious of a somewhat grim amusement it seemed strange that a man of chisholm's stamp should have any pride but he evidently possessed it what am i to understand by that he asked with some asperity i think what i said explained it bearing in mind your and mrs chisholns chisholm's influence, I've an idea that Evelyn might have yielded, if I'd strongly urged my suit.

Starting point is 03:24:28 But that was not by any means what I wanted. I'd naturally prefer a wife who married me because she wished to do so. That's why, after thinking the thing over, I've decided to withdraw. Chisholm straightened himself in his chair, in fiery indignation, which he made no attempt to conceal. You mean that after asking my consent and seeing more of Evelyn, you have changed your mind? Can't you understand that it's an unpardonable confession? One which I never fancied a man born and brought up in your station could have brought himself to make? Vane looked at him with an impassive face. It strikes me as largely a question of terms. I may not have used the right

Starting point is 03:25:21 one. Now, you know how the matter stands. You can describe it in any way that sounds nicest. In regard to your other remark, I've been in a good many stations, and I must admit that until lately, none of them were likely to promote much delicacy of sentiment. So it seems, Chisholm was almost too hot to sneer. But can't you realize how your action reflects upon my daughter? Vane held himself in hand. He had only one object, to divert Chisholm's wrath from Evelyn to himself, and he thought he was succeeding in this.

Starting point is 03:26:05 For the rest, he cherished a strong resentment against the man. It can't reflect upon her unless you talk about it, and both you and Mrs. Chisholm have sense enough to refrain from doing so, he answered dryly i can't flatter myself that evelyn will grieve over me then his manner changed now we'll get down to business i don't propose to call that loan in which will no doubt be a relief to you he rose leisurely and strolling out of the room met carroll shortly afterwards in the hall the latter glanced at him sharply what have you been doing he inquired there's a look i seem to remember in your eye i suppose i've been outraging the rules of decency but i don't feel ashamed i've been acting the uncivilized westerner though it's possible that i rather strained the part to come to the point however we pull out for the dominion first thing to-morrow carol asked no further questions he did not think it would serve any purpose and he contented himself with making arrangements for their departure which they took early on the morrow

Starting point is 03:27:30 vane had a brief interview with mabel who shed some tears over him and then by her contrivance secured a word or two with evelyn alone now he said it's possible that you may hear some hard things of me and i count upon your not contradicting them after all i think you owe me that favor there's just another matter as i won't be here to trouble you try to think of me leniently he held her hand for a moment and then turned away and a few minutes later he and carroll left the dean End of Chapter 11. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 12 of The Protector by Harold Bindloss. This Librovoc's recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline.

Starting point is 03:28:34 The Protector by Harold Bindloss. Chapter 12. Vane grows restless. Vane had been back in Vancouver a fortnight when he sat one evening on the veranda of Nairn's house, in company with his host and Carol, lazily looking down upon the inlet. Nairn referred to one of the papers in his hand.

Starting point is 03:29:01 Horsefield has been bringing up that smelter project again, and there's something to be said in favor of his views, he remarked. We're paying a good deal for reduction. We couldn't keep a smelter going at present, Vane objected. There are two or three low-grade mineral properties in the neighborhood of the Claremont that have only had a little development work done on them, Nairn pointed out. They can't pay freight on their raw product,

Starting point is 03:29:32 but I'm thinking we'd encourage their owners to open up the mines and get their business, if we had a smelter handy. It wouldn't amount to much, Vane replied. Besides, there's another objection. we haven't the dollars to put up a thoroughly efficient plant horsefield's ready to find part of them and do the work i know he is said vane he's suspiciously eager the arrangement would give him a pretty strong hold upon the company there are ways in which he could squeeze us it's possible but looking at it as a personal matter there are inducements he could offer you horsefield's a man who has the handling of other folks dollars as well as a good many of his own it might be wise to stand in with him so he hinted vain answered shortly your argument was about the worst you could have used mr nairn carroll broke in laughing well said nairn good-humoredly i'm not urging it i would not see your partner make enemies for the want of a warning

Starting point is 03:30:47 he'd probably do so in any case it's a gift of his said carol on the other hand it's fortunate he has a way of making friends the two things sometimes sometimes go together. Vane turned to Nairn with signs of impatience. It might save trouble if I state that while I'm a director of the Claremont, I expect to be content with a fair profit on my stock in the company. He's modest, Carol commented. What he means is that he doesn't propose to augment that profit by taking advantage of his position. It's a creditable idea, though I'm not sure it's as common as might be desired while i have to thank you for it i would not consider the explanation altogether necessary said nairn whose eyes twinkled then he addressed now we come to another point the company's a small one the mine is doing satisfactorily and the moments favorable for the floating of mineral properties if we got an option on the half-developed claims near

Starting point is 03:32:00 the Claremont, and went into the market, it's likely that an issue of new stock would meet with investors' favor. I suppose so, said Vane. I'll support such a scheme, when I can see how an increased capital could be used to advantage, and I am convinced about the need for a smelter. At present, that's not the case. I mentioned it as a duty. You'll hear more of it. For the rest, I'm inclined to agree with you nearn replied a few minutes later he went into the house with carol and as they entered it he glanced at his companion in the present instance mr vane's views are sound he said but i see difficulties before him so do i when he grapples with him it will be by a frontal attack a bit of compromise is judicious now and then in a general way it's not likely to appeal to my partner when he can't get through by direct means there'll be something wrecked you had better understand what kind of man he is it's not the first time i've been enlightened upon the point

Starting point is 03:33:18 shortly after they had disappeared miss horsefield came out of another door and vane rose when she approached him mrs nairn told me i would find you and the others on the veranda she informed him she said she would join you presently and it was too fine to stay in i think she was right vane replied as you see i am alone nairn and carroll have just deserted me but i can't can't complain what pleases me most about this house is that you can do what you like in it and within limits the same thing applies to this city jesse laughed and sank gracefully into the chair he drew forward yes she said i think that would please you but how long have you been back a fortnight since yesterday there was a hint of reproach in the glanced Jesse favored him with. Then I think Mrs. Nairn might have brought you over to see us. Vane wondered if she meant she was surprised he had not come of his own accord, and he was mildly flattered.

Starting point is 03:34:34 I was away at the mine a good deal of the time, he replied deprecatingly. I wonder if you are sorry to get back? Turning a little, Vane indicated the climbing city, rising tier on tier above its waterfront and then the broad expanse of blue inlet and the faint white line of towering snow wouldn't anything i could say in praise of vancouver be trifle superfluous he asked jesse recognized that he had parried her question neatly but this did not deter her she was anxious to learn if he had felt any regret in leaving england or to be more concerned ice, if there was anybody in that country whom he had reluctantly parted from. She admitted that the man attracted her. There was a breezy freshness about him, and though she was acquainted with a number of young

Starting point is 03:35:31 men whose conversation was characterized by snap and sparkle, they needed toning down. This minor was set apart from them by something which he had doubtless acquired in youth in the older land. That wasn't quite what I meant, she said. We don't always want to be flattered, and I'm in search of information. You told me you had been nine years in this country, and life must be rather different, yonder. How did it strike you after the absence? It's difficult to explain, Vane replied, with an air of amused reflection,

Starting point is 03:36:11 which hinted that he meant to get away from the point. on the whole i think i'm more interested in the question how i struck them it's curious that whereas some folks insist upon considering me english here i've a suspicion that they looked upon me as a typical colonial there one wouldn't like to think you resented it how could i this land sheltered me when i was an outcast and set me on my feet ah said jesse you are the kind we don't mind taking in the rest go back and abuse us but you haven't given me very much information yet then said vane the best comparison is supplied by my first remark that in this city you can do what you like you're rather fenced in yonder which if you're of a placid disposition is no doubt out comforting, because it shuts out unpleasant things. On the other hand, if you happen to be restless and active, the fences are inconvenient, because you can't always climb over, and it is not considered proper to break them down. Still, having admitted that, I'm proud of the

Starting point is 03:37:34 old land. It's only the fences that irritate me. Fences would naturally be obnoxious to you, but we have some here they're generally built loose of split rails and not nailed an energetic man can pull off a bar or two and stride over if it's necessary he can afterwards put them up again and there's no harm done would you do the latter vane's expression changed no he said i think if there were anything good on the other side i'd widen the gap so that the less agile and the needy could crawl through he smiled at her you see i owe some of them a good deal they were the only friends i had when i first tramped jaded and footsore about the province jesse was pleased with his answer she had heard of the bush chopper's free hospitality and she thought it was a graceful thing that he should acknowledge his debt to them now at last you'll be content to rest awhile she suggested i dare say you deserve it it's strange you should say that because just before you came out of the house i was thinking that i'd sat still long enough vain answered with a laugh it's a thing that gets monotonous one must keep going on then said jess take care you don't walk over a precipice some day when you have left all the fences behind but i've kept you from your meditations and i had better see if mrs nairn is coming she left him and he was lighting a cigar when he noticed a girl whose appearance seemed familiar in the road below

Starting point is 03:39:33 moving along the veranda he recognized her as kitty and hastily crossed the lawn towards her she was accompanied by a young man whom vane had once seen in the city but she greeted him with evident pleasure tom she said when they had exchanged a few words this is mr vane then turning to vane she added mr drayton vain who liked the man's face and manner shook hands with him and then looked back at kitty what are you doing now and how are little elsie and her mother he inquired kitty's face clouded mrs marvin's dead elsie's with some friends at spokane and i think she's well looked after i've given up the stage tom she explained shy didn't like it now i'm with some people at a ranch near the fraser on the westminster road there are two or three children and i'm fond of them drayton smiled she won't be there long i've wanted to meet you for some time mr vane they told me at the office that you were away ah said vane i suppose my congratulations won't be out of my congratulations won't be out of place. Won't you ask me to the wedding?" Kitty blushed. Will you come?

Starting point is 03:41:09 Try, said Vane, and Drayton broke in. There's nobody we would sooner see. I'm heavily in your debt, Mr. Vane. Oh, chah, rejoined Vane. Come and see me any time. Tomorrow, if you can manage it. Drayton said he would do so, and shortly, afterwards he and kitty moved away but vain who turned back across the lawn was not aware that jesse had watched the meeting from the veranda and had recognized kitty whom she had once seen at the station she had already ascertained that the girl had arrived at vancouver in his company which in view of the opinion she had formed about him somewhat puzzled her but she said one must endeavor to be charitable besides having closely watched the little group she was inclined to believe from the way vane shook hands with the man that there was no danger to be apprehended from kitty

Starting point is 03:42:13 end of chapter twelve recording by roger maline chapter thirteen of the protector by harold binloss this librovoc's recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline the protection by harold bindloss chapter thirteen a new project vane was sitting alone in the room set apart for the clermont company in nairn's office when drayton was shown in he took the chair vane pointed to and lighted a cigar the latter gave him now he began with some diffidence you cut me off short when i met you the other day and one of my reasons for coming over was to get through with what I was saying then. It's just this. I owe you a good deal for taking care of Kitty. She's very grateful and thinks no end of you. I want to say I'll always feel you have a claim on me. Vane smiled at him. It was evident that Kitty had taken her lover into her confidence with regard to her trip on board the sloop, and that she had done so set a good deal for her. her. It didn't cost me any trouble, Vane replied. We were coming down to Vancouver anyway.

Starting point is 03:43:50 Drayton's embarrassment became more obvious. It cost you some dollars. There were the tickets. Now I feel I have to—Vane stopped him. When you are married to Miss Blake, you can pay me back, if it will be a relief to you. When's the wedding to be? in a couple of months said drayton who saw it would be useless to protest i'm a clerk in the wind stanley mills and as one of the staff is going i'll get a move up then we are to be married as soon as i do he said a little more on the same subject and then after a few moments silence added i wonder if the clermont business keeps your hands full mr vane it doesn't it's a fact i'm beginning to regret drayton appeared to consider well he said folks seem to regard you as a rising man with snap in him and there's a matter i might perhaps bring before you let me explain i've taken an interest outside my routine work in the lumber trade of this province and its subsidiary branches i figured any knowledge i could pick up might stand me in some dollars some day so far he smiled ruefully it hasn't done so go on said vane whose curiosity was aroused well i think that pulping spruce paper

Starting point is 03:45:26 spruce is likely to be scarce soon. The supply's not unlimited, and the world's consumption is going up by jumps. There's a good deal of timber you could make pulp of in British Columbia alone, Vane interposed. Sure, but there's not a very great deal of spruce that could be milled into high-grade paper pulp, and it's rapidly getting worked out in most other countries. Then, as a rule, it's mixed up with the firs, cedars, and cypresses. And that means the cutting of logging roads to each cluster of milling trees. There's another point. A good deal of the spruce lies back from water or a railroad,

Starting point is 03:46:12 and it would be costly to bring in milling plant or pack the pulp out. That's obvious, said Vane, for you might have to haul every pound of freight over a breakneck divide. drayton leaned forward confidentially then if one struck high-grade paper spruce a valley full of it with water-power and easy access to the sea there ought to be dollars in the thing yes said vane with a growing interest that is very probable i could put you on the track of such a valley drayton replied we had better understand each other other. Do you want to sell me the information, and have you offered it to anyone else?' His companion answered, with the candor he had expected. "'The one or two folks I've spoken to don't seem anxious to consider it. It's mighty hard for a small

Starting point is 03:47:14 man to launch a project.' "'As a rule, it is.' "'Then,' Drayton continued, "'the idea is not my own. It was a miniseries not my own. It was a Mineral prospector, a relative of mine, who struck the valley on his last trip. He's an old man, and he came down, played out, and sick. Now I guess he's slowly dying. He paused a moment. Would you like to see him?

Starting point is 03:47:45 I'll go with you now if it's convenient, Vane replied. They crossed the city to where a row of squalid-framed shacks stood on its outskirts. In one which they entered, a gaunt man, with grizzled hair, lay upon a rickety bed. A glance showed Vane that the man was very frail. Drayton, who explained the cause of his visit, motioned Vane to sit down, and the prospector fixed his eyes upon the ladder. "'I've heard of you. You're the man who located the Claremont, and put the project through,' he said. you had the luck i've been among the ranges half my life and you can see how much i've made of it when i struck a claim worth anything somebody else got the money vain had reasons for believing that this was not an uncommon experience but the man went on again well you look straight and i've got to take some chances it's my last stake we'll get down to business i'll tell you about that spruce

Starting point is 03:48:57 he spoke for a few minutes and then asked abruptly what are you going to offer vain had not been certain that he would make any offer at all but as had befallen him before the swift decision flashed instinctively into his mind if i find that the timber and its location come up to your account of it i'll pay you so many dollars down whatever we can agree upon when i get my lease from the land office he said then i'll make another equal payment the day we start the mill but i don't mind myself to record the timber or put up a mill unless i'm convinced it's worth while i'd sooner take less dollars and a small share in the concern and drayton must stand in it's a question of terms vain replied i'll consider your views they discussed it for a while and when they had at length arrived at a provisional understanding the process or made a sign of acquiescence. We'll let it go at that, but the thing will take time,

Starting point is 03:50:11 and I'll never get the money. If you exercise your option, you'll sure pay it down to Seeley? Celia's his daughter, Drayton explained. He has no one else. She's a waitress at the house in the city. He named a hotel of no great standing. Comes home at night,

Starting point is 03:50:34 and looks after him. Vane glanced around the room. It was evident that Celia's earnings were small, but he noticed several things which suggested that she had lavished loving care upon the sick man, probably at the cost of severe self-denial. Yes, he answered, I'll promise that. But as I pointed out,

Starting point is 03:50:59 while we have agreed upon the two payments, I reserve the right of death, deciding what share your daughter and Drayton are to take afterwards within the limits sketched out. I can't fix it definitely until I've seen the timber. You'll have to trust me. The prospector once more looked at him steadily and then implied by a gesture that he was satisfied. The man fumbled under his pillow and produced a piece cut out from a map of the province with rough pencil notes on the back of it. It was on my last prospecting trip I found the spruce, he said.

Starting point is 03:51:39 I'd been looking round for the company I was with, and I figured I'd strike the coast over the range. The creeks were full of snow water, and as I was held up here and there before I could get across, provisions began to run short. By and by I fell sick, but I had to get out of the mountain, and i was pushing on for the strait when i struck the place where the spruce is after that i got kind of muddled in the head but i went down a long valley on an easy grade and struck some siwash curing the last of the salmon

Starting point is 03:52:17 the trouble is i was too sick to figure exactly where the small inlet they were camped by lies they took me back with them to their ranchery you could find that and sailed me across to comox by and by i came down on a steamboat and the doctor told me i'd made my last journey vain expressed his sympathy the narrative had been crudely matter-of-fact but he had been out on the prospecting trail often enough to fill in the details of the sick man omitted how far was the valley from the inlet he asked i can't tell you i think i was four days on the trail but it might have been more i was too sick to remember anyway there was a creek you could run the logs down vane nodded well he said how far was the inlet from the ranchery i was in the canoe part of one night and some of the next day guess thirty miles wouldn't be far out that's something to go upon vane rose if drayton will come along with me i'll send him back with a hundred dollars it's part of the first payment but your getting it now should make things a little easier for celia but you haven't located the spruce yet i'm going to locate it if the things any way possible vane shook hands with the man i expect to get off up the strait very shortly the prospector looked at him with relief and gratitude in his eyes you're white and i guess you'd be mighty hard to beat

Starting point is 03:54:13 vain touched drayton's arm and when they reached the street his companion glanced at him with open admiration i'm glad i brought you across he broke out you have a way of getting hold of folks making them believe in you hartley hasn't a word in writing but he knows you mean to act square with him kitty felt the same thing it was why she came down in the sloop with you vain smiled though there was a trace of embarrassment in his manner now you mention it you were equally confiding we have only arrived at a rather indefinite understanding about your share yet we'll leave it at that said the other i haven't struck anybody else in this city who would hear about the thing anyway i'd prefer a few shares in the concern as mentioned instead of money if you get the thing on foot i guess it will go during the rest of the day vane was busy on board the sloop but in the evening he walked over to horsefield's house with mrs nairn and found jesse and her brother at home horsefield presently took him to his smoking-room about that smelter he said haven't you made your mind up yet isn't it a matter for the board vane asked suggestively there are several directs he said haven't you made your mind up yet isn't it a matter for the board vane asked suggestively there are several directs Horsfield laughed. We'll face the fact.

Starting point is 03:55:51 They'll do what you decide upon. Vane did not reply to this. Well, he said, at present we couldn't keep a smelter big enough to be economical going, and I'm doubtful if we would get much ore from the other properties you were talking to naren about. Did he say it was my idea? he didn't odd reasons for assuming it those properties however are of no account horsefield waited expectantly and vain went on if it seems possible that we can profitably increase our output later by means of further capital we'll put up a smelter but in that case it might be economical to do the work ourselves who would superintend it i would if necessary horsefield smiled in a significant manner

Starting point is 03:56:53 aren't you inclined to take hold of too much when you have plenty in your hands it's good policy to leave a little for somebody else sometimes the person who benefits is willing to reciprocate the hint was plain and nairn had said sufficient on another occasion to make it clearer but vain did not respond if we gave the work out it would be an open tender he said there would be no reason why you shouldn't make a bid horsefield found it difficult to conceal his disgust he had no desired a bid on an open tender which would prevent his obtaining anything beyond the market price the question must stand over until i come back vane resumed i'm going up the west coast shortly and maybe away some little time they left the smoking-room soon afterwards and when they strolled back to the other vane sat down near jesse i hear you were going away she began yes said vane i'm going to look for pulping timber but why do you want pulping timber it can sometimes be converted into dollars isn't there every prospect of your obtaining a good many already are you never satisfied i suppose i'm open to take as many as i can get vain answered with an error of humorous consideration the reason probably is that i've had very few until lately still i don't think it's altogether the dollars that are driving me if it's the restlessness you once spoke of you ought to put a check on it and try to be content there's danger in the longing to be always going on

Starting point is 03:58:54 it's a common idea that a small hazard gives a thing an interest jessie shot a swift glance at him and she had as he noticed expressive eyes be careful she said after all it's wiser to keep within safe limits and not climb over too many fences she hesitated and her voice grew softer you have friends who would be sorry if you got hurt the man was a little stirred she was alluring physically while something in her voice had its effect on him evelyn however still occupied his thoughts and he smiled at his companion thank you he said i like to believe it end of chapter thirteen recording by roger maline chapter fourteen of the protector by harold binlost This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline The Protector by Harold Bendloss. Chapter 14. Vane Sails North

Starting point is 04:00:19 It was growing dusk on the evening of Vane's departure when he walked out of Nairn's room. His host was with him, and when they entered an adjacent room, where a lamp was burning, the older man's face relaxed into a smile as he saw Jesse Horsefield talking to his wife. Vane stopped a few minutes to speak to them, and it was Jesse who gave the signal for the group to break up. I must go, she said to Mrs. Nairn. I've already stayed longer than I intended. I'll let you have those patterns back in a day or two. mayor patterns nearn exclaimed with dry amusement it's the second lot this week you're surely industrious jessie women he addressed vain have curious notions of economy they will spend a month knitting a thing to give to somebody who does not want it when they could buy it for half a dollar done better by machinery i'm not saying however that it does not keep them out of mischief jesse laughed i don't think many of us are industrious in that way now after all isn't it a pity that so many of the beautiful old handicrafts are dying out

Starting point is 04:01:40 no loom for instance could turn out some of the things your wife makes they're matchless she has an armory you can translate it trunk full of them said nairn it's no longer customary to scatter them over the house mrs nairn's smile was half a sigh there were no books and no money amusements when i was young she said to jessie we sat through the long winter four nights counting stitches at burnfoot under the scottish moors that my dear was thirty years ago she shook hands with vain who left the house with jessie and watched them cross the lawn i'm thinking you'll not see so much of jesse for the next few weeks nairn who had accompanied her to the door remarked has she shown you any of yon knick-knacks when she finished them his wife shook her head at him reproachfully aleck she said you're now and then hasty in jumping at conclusions maybe replied nairn i'm not infallible but the fault you mention is not common in the land where we were born. I'm not denying that Jesse has Enterprise, but how far it will carry her in this case is more than I can tell. He smiled, as he recalled a scene at the station some time ago, and Mrs. Nairn looked up at him. What is amusing you, Alec? she asked. It was just a bit idea

Starting point is 04:03:18 not worth a mentioning, said Nairn. I think it wouldn't count. He paused and resumed with an air of reflection. A young man's heart is whilst inconstant and susceptible. Mrs. Nairn, who ignored the last remark, went into the house, and in the meanwhile, Jesse and Vane walked down the road until they stopped at a gate. Jesse held out her hand. I'm glad I met you tonight, she said. You will allow me to wish you every success? Thank you, he replied. It's nice to feel. one has the sympathy of one's friends. He turned away, and Jesse stood watching him as he strode down the road. There was, she thought, something that set him apart from other men in his

Starting point is 04:04:10 fine poise and swing. She was, however, forced to confess that, although he had answered her courteously, there had been no warmth in his words. As it happened, Vane was just then conscious of a slight relief. He admired Jesse, and he liked Nairn and his wife, but they belonged to the city, which he was, on the whole, glad to leave behind. He was going back to the shadowy woods, where men lived naturally, and the lust of fresh adventure was strong in him. On reaching the wharf, he found Kitty and Celia Hartley, whom he had not met hitherto, awaiting him with Carol and Drayton. a boat lay at the steps and he and carroll rode the others off to the sloop the moon was just rising from behind the black firs at the inlet's inner end

Starting point is 04:05:06 and a little cold wind faintly scented with resinous fragrance that blew down across them stirred the water into tiny ripples that flashed into silvery radiance here and there a soft glow shone out from the skylights to welcome them as they approached the sloop and when laughing gaily they clambered on board carol led the way to the tiny saloon which just held them all it was brightly lighted by two nickeled lamps flowers were fastened against the paneling and clusters of them stood upon the table which was covered with a spotless cloth vain took the head of it and carol modestly explained that only part of the supper had been prepared by him the rest he had obtained in the city out of regard for the guests who he added had not lived in the bush carol started the general chatter which went on after the meal was over and nobody appeared to notice that kitty sat with her hand in draughtons amidst the happy laughter even celia who had her grief to grapple with smiled bravely vane had given them champagne the best in the city though they drank sparingly and at last when celia made a move to rise drayton stood up with his glass in his hand we must go but there's something to be done he said it's to thank our host and wish him success it's a little boat he's sailing in, but she's carrying a big freight, if our good wishes count for anything.

Starting point is 04:06:53 They emptied the glasses, and Vane replied, My success is yours. You have all a stake in the venture, and that piles up my responsibility. If the spruce is still in existence, I've got to find it. And you're going to find it, said Drayton confidently. Then Vane divided the flowers between sands. Celia and her companion, but when they went up on deck, Kitty raised one bunch and kissed it. Tom won't mind, she said. Take that one back from Celia and me. They got down into the boat.

Starting point is 04:07:34 Then, while the girls called back to Vane, Drayton rode away, and the boat was fading out of sight when Kitty's voice reached the men on board. She was singing a well-known Jacobite ballad, considering what his highland followers suffered on his account and what the women thought of him said carroll some of the virtues they credited the young chevalier with must have been real he raised his hand you may as well listen vain stood a moment with the blood hot in his face and the refrain rang more clearly across the sparkling water better loved ye cannot be will you not come back again i don't know if you feel flattered but i've an idea that kitty and celia would go into the fire for you and drayton seems to share their confidence carroll resumed in his most matter-of-fact tone vain began to shake the mainsail loose i believe we both talked rather freely to-night but we have to find the spruce so you have said already carol pointed out hadn't you better heave the boom up with the topping lift they got the mainsail on to her broke out the anchor and set the jib and as the boat slipped away before a freshening breeze vane sat at the helm while carol stood on the foredeck coiling up the gear the moon was higher now the broad sail gleamed a silvery gray the ripples which were getting bigger flashed and sparkled as they streamed back from the boughs

Starting point is 04:09:24 and the lights of the city dropped fast astern vane was conscious of a keen exhilaration he had started on a new adventure he was going back to the bush and he knew that no matter how his life might change the wilderness would always call to him in spite of this however he was as he had said conscious of an unusual responsibility hitherto he had fought for what he could get for himself but now kitty's future partly depended upon his efforts and his success would be of vast importance to celia he had a very friendly feeling towards both the girls indeed all the women he had met of late had attracted him in different ways, but Evelyn stood apart from all. She appealed less to his senses and intellect than she did to a sublimated something in the depths of his nature, and it somehow seemed fitting that her image should materialize before his mental vision, as the sloop drove along under the cloudless night sky, while the moonlight poured down glamour on the shining water. Evelyn harmonized with such things as these.

Starting point is 04:10:45 It was true that she had repulsed him, but that, he remembered, once more with a sense of compunction, was what he deserved for entering into an alliance against her with her venial father. He was glad now that he had acquiesced in her dismissal of him, since to have stood firm and broken her to his will would have brought disaster upon both of them. He felt that she had not wholly escaped him, after all.

Starting point is 04:11:16 By and by, he would go back and seek her favor by different means. Then she might, perhaps, forgive him and listen. End of Chapter 14, recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 15 of the Protector by Harold Binloss. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline The Protector by Harold Binloss. Chapter 15

Starting point is 04:11:56 The first misadventure The breeze freshened fiercely with the red and fiery dawn and Vane, who had gone below, was advised of it by being flung off the locker on which he sat with coffee and biscuits before him in the saloon. The jug, overturning, spilled its contents upon his person. The biscuits were scattered, but he picked himself up in haste and scrambled out into the well. He found the sloop slanted over with a good deal of her lee deck submerged in rushing foam,

Starting point is 04:12:35 and Carol bracing himself against the strain upon the tiller. I'll let her come up. up when you're ready carol remarked we had better get some sail off her if we mean to hold on to the mast he put down his helm and the sloop forging round to windward rose upright with her heavy main boom banging to and fro after that they were desperately busy for the next few minutes and vain wished they had engaged a hand in vancouver instead of waiting to hire a siwash somewhere up the coast there was a head sail to haul to windward which was difficult and the main sheet to get in and then the two men standing on the slippery inclined deck struggled hard to haul the canvas down to the boom the jerking spar smote them in the ribs once or twice the reefing tackle beneath it was torn from their hands but they mastered the sail tying two reefs in it to reduce its size and the rifeing tackle beneath it was torn from their hands but they mastered the sail tying two reefs in it to reduce its size and the and the craft afterwards drove away with her lee rail just to wash you had better go down and get some biscuits vane said to his comrade you mayn't have an opportunity later it looks like that carol agreed the wind's backing northwards and that means more of it before long you can call if you want me he disappeared below and vain sat at the helm with a frown on his face

Starting point is 04:14:10 he knew that the breeze would increase and draw a head which was unfortunate because they would have to beat fighting for every fathom they slowly made there was no help for it and he buttoned his jacket against the spray while by the time carol came up the sloop was plunging sharply pitching showers of stinging brine all over her when the boughs went down they drove her at it stubbornly most of the day making but little to windward while the seas got bigger and wider until they had some trouble to keep the light boat they carried upon the deluge deck at last when she came bodily aft amidst a frothing cascade which poured into the well vane brought the sloop around and they stretched away to the eastwards until they could let go the anchor in smooth water beneath a wall of rock. They were very wet and stiff with cold, for winter was drawing near. "'We'll get supper,' said Vane. If the breeze drops at dusk, we'll go on again. Having eaten little since dawn, they enjoyed the meal, and Carol would have been content to remain at anchor afterwards. The tiny saloon was comfortably warm, and it would be pleasanter to lounge away the

Starting point is 04:15:37 evening on a locker with its pipe instead of sitting amidst the bitter spray at the helm but vain was proof against his companion's hints with the headwind we'll be some time working up to the ranchery and then we have thirty miles of coast to search for the inlet hartley reached he said after that there's the valley to locate he was uncertain how far it lay from the beach it couldn't be very far you wouldn't expect a man who was sick to make any great pace i can imagine a man who knew he must reach the coast before he started making a pretty vigorous effort do you remember the time we crossed the divide and the snow i could remember it if i wanted said carroll with a shiver it's about the last thing i'm anxious to do the trouble is that there are many valleys in this strip of country and we may have to try a number before we strike the right one vane went on i can't spend very much time over this search as soon as the man we put in charge of the mine has tried his present system long enough to give us something to figure on i want to see what can be done to increase our output we haven't marketed very much refined metal yet there's no doubt it would be advisable carroll who looked after their finances answered as i've pointed out you have spent a good deal of the cash you got when you turned the clermont over to the company in fact that's one reason why i didn't try to head you off this timber-hunting scheme you can't spend many dollars over it and if the spruce comes up to expectations you ought to get them back

Starting point is 04:17:33 it would be a fortunate change after your extravagance in england that is a subject i don't want to talk about we'll go up and see what the weather's like carol shivered when they stood in the well a nipping wind came down across the darkening firs ashore but there was no doubt that it had fallen somewhat and he resigned himself when vain began to pull the tears off the mainsail in a few minutes they were under way the sloop heading out towards open water with two reefs down in her mainsail a great and ghostly shape of slanted canvas that swept across the dim furrowed plain of sea by midnight the breeze was as strong as ever but they had clear moonlight and they held on the craft plunging with flooded decks through the white comers while carol sat at the helm battered by spray and stung with cold when vain came up an hour or two later the sea was breaking viciously they held on and soon after day broke with its first red flush ominously high in the eastern sky stretched in towards the land with a somewhat sheltered bay opening up beyond a foam-fringed point ahead of them carol glanced dubiously at the white turmoil in the midst of which black fangs of rock appeared before he turned to his companion will she weather the point on this tack he asked she'll have to said vane who was steering they stood on though it occurred to carroll that they were not opening up the bay very rapidly the light was growing and he could now discern the orderly phalanxes of white-topped comers that crumpled into chaotic spouting on the point's outer end

Starting point is 04:19:36 the sloop would not last long if she touched bottom there but once more after a glance at his companion's face he kept silent after all vain was leader and when he looked as he did then he usually resented advice the mouth of the bay grew wider until carroll could see most of the forest girt shore on one side of it but the surf upon the point was also growing unpleasantly near. Whips of spray whirled away from it and vanished among the scrubby firs clinging to the fissured crags behind. The sloop, however, was going to windward, for Vane was handling her with skill, and she had almost cleared the point when there was a bang, and the sloop stopped suddenly. The comber to windward that should have lifted her up broke all over her, flinging the boat on deck upon the saloon skylight, and pouring inches deep over the combing into the well. Vane was hurled from the tiller and cut his forehead, for his wet face was smeared with blood,

Starting point is 04:20:50 but he had seized a big oar to shove her off when she swung upright, moved, and struck again. The following sea hove her up. There was another less violent crash, and while Vane dropped the oar and grasped the helm, she suddenly shot ahead. She'll go clear, he shouted. Jump below and see if she's damaged. Carol got no further than the scuttle,

Starting point is 04:21:19 for the saloon floorings on the depressed side were already awash, and he could hear an ominous splashing and gurgling. It's pouring into her, he reported. Vane nodded. You'll have to pump. We passed an opening some miles to Lee. Wouldn't it be better if you ran back there? Carol suggested.

Starting point is 04:21:44 No, said Vane, I won't run a yard. There's another inlet, not far ahead, and we'll stand on until we reach it. I'd put her on the beach here, only, that should go to pieces with the first shift of wind to the westward. Carol agreed with this opinion, but there is a great difference between running to leeward with the sea behind the vessel and thrashing to windward when it is ahead, and he hesitated. Get the pump started, we're going on, Vane said shortly. The pump was, fortunately, a powerful one, and they had nearly two miles of source.

Starting point is 04:22:26 smoother water before they stretched out of the bay upon the other track but when they did so carroll who glanced down again through the scuttle could not flatter himself that he had reduced the water after half an hour of it he was breathless and exhausted and vain took his place the sea was higher the sloop wetter than she should have been and there was no doubt that the water was rising fast inside her carol wondered how far ahead the inlet his companion had mentioned lay and the next two hours were anxious ones to both of them turn about they pumped with savage determination and went back gasping to the helm to thrash the boat on they drove her remorselessly and she went through the comers swept and streaming while the spray scourged the helmsman's face as he gazed to weather their arms and shoulders ached from working in a cramped position but since there was no help for it they toiled doggedly until at last the crest of a crag they were heading for sloped away in front of them a few minutes later they drove past the end of it into a broad lane of water with long ranks of firs dropping steeply to its edge the wind was suddenly cut off the comers fell away and the sloop crept slowly up the inlet which wound green and placid among the hills vein strode to the scuttle and looked down at the flood which splashed languidly to and fro below it's fortunate that we're in another half hour would have seen the end of her he said let her come up a little there's a smooth beach to yonder cove she slid in quiet

Starting point is 04:24:26 scarcely rippling the smooth surface of the tiny basin about which there rose great black furs and carroll laid her on the beach now said vane drop the boom on the shore side to keep her from canting over and then we'll get breakfast we'll see where she's damaged when the tide ebbs since most of their stores had lain in the flooded lockers from which there had been no time to extricate them the meal was not an appetizing one they were however glad of it and rowing ashore afterwards they lay on the shingle in the sunshine while the sloop was festooned with their drying clothes if she has only split a plank or two we can patch her up bain remarked there are all the tools we'll want in the locker where will you get new planks from carol inquired i don't think we have any spikes that would go through the frames that said vane is the trouble i expect i'll have to make a trip across to comox for them in a sea canoe we're sure to come across a few siwash somewhere in the neighborhood i can't say that this expedition is beginning fortunately there's no doubt on that point carol agreed well said vane she has to be patched up and until i find that spruce i'm going on carol made no comment it was not worth while to object when vane was obviously determined end of chapter fifteen recording by roger maline chapter sixteen of the protector by harold binalin chapter sixteen of the protector by harold bindler

Starting point is 04:26:28 This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. The Protector by Harold Binloss. Chapter 16 The Bush It was a quiet evening, nearly a fortnight after the arrival of the sloop, and pale sunshine streamed into the cove. Little glittering ripples lapped lazily along the shingle, and the placid surface of the the inlet was streaked with faint blue lines where wandering airs came down from the heights above.

Starting point is 04:27:07 Now and then an elfin sighting fell from the ragged summits of the tall black firs, but it died away again, and afterwards the silence was only broken by the pounding of a heavy hammer and the crackle of a fire. Carol sat beside the ladder, alternately holding a stout plank up to the blaze, and dabbing its hot surface, with a dripping mop. A big sea canoe lay drawn up near the spot, and one of its copper-skin sly-wash owners sat amongst the shingle, stolidly watching the white men. His comrade was inside the sloop,

Starting point is 04:27:45 holding a big stone against one of her frames, while Vane crouched outside her, swinging a hammer. Vane, who was stripped to shirt and trousers, had arrived from Comox across the strait at dawn that morning in the sea canoe. It was a long trip, and they had had wild weather on the outward journey, but he had set to work with characteristic energy as soon as he landed. Now, though the sun was low, he was working rather harder than ever, with the flood tide, which would shortly compel him to desist, creeping up to his feet.

Starting point is 04:28:25 Carol, who watched him with quiet amusement, was on the whole content that the the tide was rising, because his comrade had firmly declined to stop for dinner, and he was conscious of a sharpening appetite. It was comforting to reflect that Vane would be unable to get the plank into place before the evening meal, because if there had been any prospect of his doing so, he would certainly have postponed the latter. By and by he stopped a moment, and turned to Carol. If you were any use in an emergency, you were. you'd be holding up for me instead of that wooden image inside, he remarked. He will back the stone against any frame, except the one I'm nailing.

Starting point is 04:29:10 The difficulty is that I can't be in two places at the same time, Carol pointed out. Shall I leave this plank? You can't get it in tonight. I'm going to try, Vane answered grimly. He turned around to direct the sly, and then conned. hammered in one of the wedges a little farther, after which, swinging back the hammer, he struck a heavy blow. The result was disastrous, for there was a crash, and one of the shores shot backwards, striking him in the knee. He jumped with a savage cry, and next moment there was a sharp snapping, and the end of the plank sprang out.

Starting point is 04:29:56 Then another shore gave way, and when the plank fell to the plank fell to the plank fell. clattering at his feet, he whirled the hammer around his head, and hurled it violently into the bush. This appeared to afford him some satisfaction, and he strode up the beach, with the blood dripping from the knuckles of one hand. "'That's the blamed Sighwash's fault,' he said. "'I couldn't get him to back up when I put the last spike in.' "'Hadn't you better tell him to come out?' Carol suggested. no said vane if he hasn't sense enough to see that he isn't wanted he can stay where he is all night are you going to get supper or must i do that too

Starting point is 04:30:43 carol said about preparing the meal which the two siwash partook of and afterwards departed with some paper currency then vane walking down the beach came back with the plank and after lighting the bank and after lighting the beach came back with the plank and after lighting his pipe, pointed to one or two broken nails in it. That's the cause of the trouble, he said. It cost me a week's journey to get the package of galvanized spikes. I could have managed to split a plank or two out of one of these furs. The storekeeper fellow assured me that they were specially annealed for heading up. If I knew who the manufacturers were, I'd have pleasure in telling them what I think of them. if they set up to make spikes they ought to make them and empty every keg that won't stand the test on to the scrap heap carol smiled

Starting point is 04:31:39 the course his partner had indicated was the one he would have adopted he was characterized by a somewhat grim idea of efficiency and never spared his labor to attain it though the latter fact had now and then its inconveniences for those who had cooperated with him as Carol had discovered. The latter had no doubt that Vane would put the planks in if he spent a month over the operation. I wouldn't have had this trouble if you'd been handier with tools, he resumed. My abilities aren't as varied as yours, and the thing is bad economy, Carol replied. Skill of the kind you mentioned is worth about three dollars a day. You were getting two dollars for shoveling in a mining ditch when I first met you. I was, Carol assented, good-humoredly. I believe another month or two of it would have worn me out.

Starting point is 04:32:39 It's considerably pleasanter and more profitable to act as your understudy. But a fairly proficient carpenter might have bungled the latter. Vane looked embarrassed. Let it pass. I've a pernicious habit of expressing myself, unfortunately. anyhow we'll start again on those planks first thing to-morrow he stretched out his aching limbs beside the fire and languidly watched the firs grow dimmer and the mists creep and ghostly trails down the steep hillside until carroll broke the silence wallace he said wouldn't it be wiser if you met that fellow horsefield to some extent no said vain decidedly i have no intention of giving way an inch it would only encourage the man to press me on another point if i did i'm going to have trouble with him and the sooner it comes the better there's only room for one controlling influence in the clermont mine

Starting point is 04:33:44 in that case it might be as well to stay in vancouver as much as possible and keep your eye on him the same idea has struck me since we sailed the trouble is that until i've decided about the pulp mill he'll have to go unwatched for the same reason that prevented you from holding up for me and steaming the plank if for any unseen action of horse fields made it necessary you couldn't let this pulp project drop no said vain you ought to understand why that's impossible drayton kitty and hartley count upon my exertions they're poor folks and i can't go back on them if we can't locate the spruce or it doesn't seem likely to pay for working up there's nothing to prevent my abandoning the undertaking but i'm not at liberty to do so just because it would be a convenience to myself hartley got my promise before he told me where to search he strolled away to the tent they had pitched on the edge of the bush but carol sat a while smoking beside the fire he was suspicious of horsefield and foresaw trouble more particularly now his comrade had undertaken a project which seemed likely to occupy a good deal of his attention hitherto vain had owed part of his success to his faculty of concentrating all his powers upon one object they rose at dawn next morning and by sunset had fitted the new planks two days later they sailed to the northwards and eventually found the ranchery hartley had mentioned where they had expected to hire a guide the rickety wooden building however was empty

Starting point is 04:35:38 and vain pushed on again he had now to face an unseen difficulty because there were a number of openings in that strip of coast and hartley's description was of no great service in deciding which was the right one during the next day or two they looked into several bites and seeing no valleys opening out of them went on again until one evening they ran into an inlet with the forest shrouded hollow at the head of it here they moored the sloop close in with a sheltered beach and after a night's rest got ready their packs for the march inland they had a light tent without poles which could be cut when wanted two blankets an axe and one or two cooking utensils besides their provisions in front of them a deep trough opened up in the hills but it was filled with giant forest through which no track led and only those who have traversed the dim recesses of the primeval bush can fully understand what this implies the west winds swept through that gateway reaping as they went and here and there tremorses Tremendous trees lay strewn athwart each other, with their branches spread abroad and horrible tangles. Some had fallen amidst the wreckage left by previous gales, which the forest had partly made good, and there was scarcely a rod of the way that was not obstructed by half-rotten trunks.

Starting point is 04:37:15 Then there were thick bushes, and an undergrowth of willows, where the soil was damp with thorny brakes and matted fern in between. In places the growth was almost like a wall, and the men, who skirted the inlet, were glad to scramble forward among the rough boulders and ragged driftwood at the water's edge for some minutes at a time, until it was necessary to leave the beach behind.

Starting point is 04:37:43 After the first few minutes, there was no sign of the gleaming water. They had entered a region of dim green shade, where the moist air was heavy with resinous smells. The trunks rose about them in tremendous columns. Thorns clutched their garments, and twigs and brittle branches snapped beneath their feet. The day was cool, but the sweat of tense effort dripped from them,

Starting point is 04:38:10 and when they stopped for breath at the end of an hour, Vane estimated that they had gone a mile. I'll be content if we can keep this up, he said. it isn't likely carol who glanced down at a big rent in his jacket replied with a trace of dryness a little farther on they waded with difficulty through a large stream and carol who stopped glanced round at a deep rift in a crag on one side of them i don't know if that could be considered a valley but we may as well look at it he suggested they scrambled towards it and reaching gravelly soil where the trees were thinner vain surveyed the opening it was very narrow and appeared to lose itself among the rocks the size of the creek which flowed out of it was no guide because those ranges are scored by running water we won't waste our time over that ravine he said i noticed a wider one farther on and we'll see a wider one farther on and we'll see see what it's like, though heartily led me to understand that he came down a straight and gently sloping

Starting point is 04:39:25 valley. The one wherein answers the description. It was two hours before they reached the second opening, and then, vain, unstrapping his packs, clambered up the steep face of a crag. When he came back, his face was thoughtful, and, sitting down, he lighted his pipe. This search seems to take us longer than i expected he said to begin with there are a number of inlets all of them pretty much alike along this part of the coast but i needn't go into the reasons for supposing that this is the one hartley visited taking it for granted that we're right we're up against another difficulty so far as i could make out from the top of that rock there's a regular series of ravines running back into the hills hartley told you he came straight down to tidewater didn't he that's not much of a guide vane replied the slope of every fisher seems to run naturally from the inland watershed to this basin hartley was sick and it was raining all the time and coming out of any of these ravines he'd only have to make a slight turn to reach the water what's more he could only tell me he was heading roughly west and allowing that there was no sun visible that might have meant either north-west or south-west which gives us the choice of searching the hollows on either side of the main valley

Starting point is 04:41:03 now it strikes me as most probable that he came down the ladder but we have to face the question whether we should push straight on or search every opening that might be called a valley what's your idea carol rejoined that we ought to go into the things systematically and look at every ravine we come to i guess you're right but i don't move another step to-night i've no wish to urge you there's hardly a joint in my body that doesn't ache vane flung down his pack and stretched himself with an air of relief that's what comes of civilization and soft living it would be nice to sit still while somebody brought me my supper as there was nobody to do so he took up the axe and set about hewing chips off a fallen trunk while carroll made a fire then he cut the tent poles and a few armfuls of twigs for a bed and in half an hour the camp was pitched and a meal prepared they afterwards lay awhile smoking and saying little beside the sinking fire the red light of which flickered upon the massy trunks and fell away again then they crawled into the tent and wrapped their blankets round them end of chapter sixteen recording by roger maline chapter seventeen of the protector by harold bindloss this librovoc's recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline the protector by harold bindloss chapter seventeen vane postpones the search when vain rose early next morning there was frost in the air and when breakfast was ready the men

Starting point is 04:43:11 ate hastily, eager for the exertion that would put a little warmth into them. We had it a good deal colder on other trips. I suppose I've been getting luxurious since I seem to resent it now, said Vane. There's no doubt that winter's beginning earlier than I expected up here. As soon as you can strike the tent, we'll move on. The valley grew wilder and more rugged as they proceeded. In places, its bottom was full. filled with musk eggs cumbered with half-submerged decaying trunks of fallen trees and when they could not spring from one falling log to another they sank in slime and water to the knee they entered transverse valleys and after hours of exhausting labor abandoned the search of each in turn and plodded back to the one they had been following their boots and clothing suffered their packs were rent upon the their backs, and, since men engaged in such work must be generously fed, their provisions diminished

Starting point is 04:44:18 rapidly. At length, one lowering afternoon, they were brought to a standstill by the river, which forked into two branches, one of which came foaming out on a cleft in the rocks. This would have mattered less had it float across the level, but just there it had scored itself out of a deep hollow, from which the roar of its turmoil rose in long reverberations. Carol, who was aching all over, stood upon the brink, and first of all, gazed ahead. He surmised from the steady ascent and the contours of the hills, that the valley was dying out, and that they should reach the head of it in another day's journey. The higher summits, however, were veiled in leaden mist, and there was a

Starting point is 04:45:09 sting in the cold breeze that blew down the hollow and set the ragged firs wailing. Then he glanced dubiously at the dim green water, which swirled in deep eddies, and boiled in white confusion among the fangs of rock, sixty or seventy feet below. Not far away, the stream was wider, and he supposed, in consequence, shallower, though it ran furiously. It doesn't look encouraging, and we have no more food left than we'll take us back to the sloop if we're economical, he said. Do you think it's worthwhile going on? I haven't a doubt about it, Vane declared.

Starting point is 04:45:53 We ought to reach the head of the valley and get back here in two or three days. Three days we'll make a big hole in the provisions. And we'll have to put up with short rations, Vane rejoined. if you're determined we may as well get on he stepped cautiously over the edge of the descent and went down a few yards with a run while loosened soil and stones slipped away under him then he clutched a slender tree and proceeded as far as the next on his hands and knees after that it was necessary to swing himself over a ledge and he was on the whole astonished when he alighted safely on one below from which he could scramble down to the narrow strip of gravel between rock and water he was standing breathless looking at the ladder when vain joined him the stones dipped sharply and two or three large boulders ringed about with froth rose near the middle of the stream which seemed to be running slacker on the other side of them there was nothing to show how deep it was but carroll braced himself for an effort and sturdily plunged in two steps took him up to the waist and he had trouble in finding solid bottom at the next because the gravel rolled and slipped away beneath his feet in the strong stream

Starting point is 04:47:23 the current also dragged hard at his limbs and he set his lips tight when it crept up to his ribs then he lost his footing and was washed away plunging and floundering with now and then one toe rest momentarily upon the bottom until he was hurled against the first of the boulders with a crash that almost drove the little remaining breath out of his body he clung to it desperately gasping hard and then with a determined struggle contrived to reach the second stone against which the stream pressed him without finding any support for his feet a moment or two later vane was washed down towards him and he had been washed down towards him and he was washed down towards him and grabbing at the boulder held on by it. They said nothing to each other, but they looked at the sliding water between them and the opposite bank. Carol was getting horribly cold and felt the power ebbing out of him. He thought if he must swim across, he had better do so at once. Launching himself forward, he felt the flood lap his breast, but as his arms went in, he struck something violent. with one leg and found that he could stand up on a submerged ledge this carried him a yard or two and though he stepped over the end of the ledge into deeper water he reached a strip of shelving shingle up which he staggered vain overtook him and they scrambled up the slope ahead which was a little less steep than the one they had descended the work warmed them slightly and they needed it but as they strode on again keeping to the foot of the hillside where the timber was less dense a cold rain drove into their faces it grew steadily thicker the straps began to gall their wet shoulders and their saturated clothing clung heavily about their limbs in spite of this they went on until nightfall when it was difficult to make a fire and after a reduced supper found a little humid warmth in their wet blankets

Starting point is 04:49:41 the next day's work was much the same only that they crossed no rivers and it rained harder and when evening came carroll who had burst one boot was limping bad They made camp among the dripping firs, which partly sheltered them from the bitter wind, and shortly after supper, both fell asleep. At evening next day they reached the head of the valley. It was still raining and heavy mists obscured the summits of the hills, but above the lower slopes of rocks, glimmering snow ran up into the vapor. There were a few balsams and hemlocks about them, but no one. sign of a spruce. Now, said Carol, I expect you'll be satisfied. Vane was no nearer to owning himself defeated than he had been when they first set out. We know there's no spruce in this valley, and that's something, he replied.

Starting point is 04:50:44 When we come back again, we'll try the next one. It has cost us a good deal to make sure of the fact. Vane's expression. changed. We haven't ascertained the cost just yet. As a rule, you don't make up the bill until you're through with the undertaking, and it may be a longer one than either of us think. Now we'll turn upon our tracks. Carol recalled his speech afterwards, but just then he only hitched his burden a little higher on his aching shoulders, as he plodded after his comrade down the rain-swept hollow, and he had good cause to remember the march to the inlet.

Starting point is 04:51:27 It rained most of the way, and their clothes were never dry. Parts of them, indeed, flowed in tatters about their aching limbs, and before they had covered half the distance, their boots were dropping to pieces. What was more important, their provisions were rapidly running out, and they marched on a few handfuls of food, carefully a portion twice daily at last one night they lay down hungry with empty bags to sleep shelterless in the rain for they had thrown their tent away and carroll had some difficulty in getting on his feet next morning i believe i can hold out until sundown though i'm far from sure of it he said you'll have to leave me behind if we don't strike the inlet then

Starting point is 04:52:19 we'll strike it in the afternoon vain assured him they set out as soon as they had resung their packs and carol limped and stumbled he managed however to keep pace with vein and some time afternoon the latter cried out as a twinkling gleam among the trees caught his eye then the shuffling pace grew faster and they were breathless when at last they stopped and dropped their burdens beside the boat it was only at the third or fourth attempt they got her down to the water and the veins were swollen high on veins flushed forehead when at last he sat down panting heavily on her gunwale we ran her up quite easily though we had the slope to face then he remarked You could scarcely expect to carry boats without trouble after a march like the one we've made, Carol pointed out. They ran her in and pulled off to the sloop. When they sat down in the little saloon, in which there was a mirror, Vane grinned.

Starting point is 04:53:31 I knew you looked a deadbeat, but I'd no idea I was quite so bad, he said. Anyhow, we'll get the stove lighted and some dry things on. the next question is what shall we have for supper that's simple carol answered everything that's most tempting and the whole of it some little time later they flung their boots and rent garments overboard and sat down to a feast the plates were empty when they rose and in another hour both of them were wrapped in heavy slumber end of chapter seventeen recording by roger maline chapter eighteen of the protector by harold binloss this librivox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline the protector by harold binloss chapter eighteen jesse confers a favor it was blowing fresh next morning from the southeast which was right ahead and vane's face was hard when he and carroll got the boat on deck and set about tying down two reefs in the mainsail they got sail upon the sloop and drove her out into a confused head sea through which she labored with flooded decks making very little to windward when night came a deluge killed the breeze and next day she lay rolling wildly in a heavy calm while light mist narrowed in the horizon and a persistent drizzle poured down

Starting point is 04:55:19 upon the smoothly heaving sea then they had light variable winds and their provisions were once more running out when they drew abreast of a little coaling port carroll suggested running in and going on to victoria by train but they had hardly decided to do so when the fickle breeze died away and the tide stream bore them past to the south they had no longer a stitch of dry clothing left and they were again upon reduced rations. Still bad fortune dogged them, for that night a fresh headwind sprang up and held steadily while they thrashed herself, swept by stinging spray. Their tempers grew shorter under the strain, and their bodies ate from the chill of their soddened garments, and sitting hour by hour at the helm. At last the breeze fell, and shortly afterwards a trail of smoke and a half-seen strip of hull emerged from the creeping haze astern of them a lumber tug said vane she seems to have a raft in tow and it will probably be for drayton's people if you'll edge in towards her i'll send him word that we're on the way there was very little wind just then and presently the tug was close alongside pitching her bows out of the slow swell while a mass of timber wonderfully chained together surged along astern a shapeless oil-skinned figure stood outside her pilot-house balancing itself against the heave of the bridge which slanted and straightened

Starting point is 04:57:04 when stanley vane shouted the figure waved an arm as if in assent and vane raised his voice again report us to mr drayton we'll come along as fast as we can the man turned and pointed to the misty horizon astern you'll get it from the north before to-morrow then the straining tug and long wet line of working raft drew ahead while the sloop crawled on close-hauled towards the south late that night however the mists melted away and a keen rushing breeze that came out of the north crisp the water she sprang forward when the rifted the river she sprang forward when the ripples reached her the flapping canvas went to sleep and while each slack rope tightened a musical tinkle broke out at the boughs it grew steadily louder and when the sun swung up red above the eastern hills she had piled the white froth to her channels and was driving forward merrily with little sparkling seas tumbling phone tipped after her the wind fell light as the sun rose higher but she ran on all day and the western sky was still blazing with a wondrous green when she stole into vancouver harbor the light faded as they crept across the inlet before a faint breeze but when they had got the anchor over and the boat into the water carol made out two dim figures standing on the wharf and waved a hand to them it's drayton i think he said kiddies with him they pulled ashore and drayton shook hands with them i've been looking out for you since noon he said what about that spruce

Starting point is 04:58:59 there was eagerness in his voice and vane's face clouded we couldn't find a trace of it drayton's disappointment was obvious though he tried to hide it well he said resignedly i've no doubt you did all you could of course kitty broke in we're quite sure of that vain thanked her with a glance he felt sorry for her and drayton they were strongly attached to each other and he had reason for believing that even with the advanced salary the man expected to get they would find it needful to study strict economy i'm going to make another attempt i expect some of our difficulties will vanish after i've had a talk with hartley he said kitty looked grave that's impossible she answered softly hartley died a week ago vane started i'm sorry he said how's celia she's very sick there was concern in kitty's voice hartley got worse soon after you left and she sat up all night with him after her work for the last two weeks now she's broken down and she doesn't seem to know if they'll take her back again at the hotel i must go and see her said vane but won't you and drayton come with us and have dinner drayton explained that this was out of the question kitty's employer who had driven in that afternoon was waiting with his team and the party left the wharf together a few minutes later vane shook hands with the girl and her companion

Starting point is 05:00:53 don't lose heart he said we're far from beaten yet they separated and after dinner vane who rejoiced in the unusual luxury of clean dry clothes walked across to call on he was shown into a room where jesse horsefield was sitting but she rose with a slight start when he came in vain who had been preoccupied since he had heard kitty's news did not notice it and jessie's manner was reposeful and quietly friendly when she held out her hand so you have come back she said have you succeeded in your search vain was gratified it was pleasant to feel that she was interested in his undertaking no he confessed i'm afraid i have failed then said jessie with reproach in her voice you have disappointed me it was skilful flattery since she had conveyed the impression that she had expected him to succeed which implied that she held a high opinion of his abilities after all you must have had a good deal against you she resumed consolingly won't you sit down and tell me about it ne'ern i understand is writing some letters and he sent for mrs nairn just before you came in she indicated a chair beside the open hearth and vane sat down opposite her where a low screen cut them off from the rest of the room vain who was still stiff and aching from exposure to the cold and rain revelled in the unusual sense of comfort in addition to this his companion's pose was singularly graceful

Starting point is 05:02:47 and the ease of it and the friendly smile with which she regarded him somehow implied that they were on excellent terms it's very nice to be here again he said jesse looked up at him languidly he had spoken as he felt on impulse which was more gratifying than an obvious desire to pay her a compliment would have been i suppose you wouldn't get many comforts in the bush she suggested no said vain comforts of any kind are remarkably scarce up yonder as a matter of fact i can't imagine a country where the contrasts between the luxuries of civilization and the other things are sharper. But that wasn't exactly what I meant. Then what did you mean? I don't know that it's worth explaining, Vane answered with an error of consideration. We have rather luxurious quarters at the hotel, but this room is somehow different. It's restful. I think it's homely. In fact, as I said, it's nice to be here.

Starting point is 05:04:00 jesse understood that he had been attempting to analyze his feelings and had failed clearly to recognize that her presence contributed to the satisfaction he was conscious of she had no doubt that if he were a man of average susceptibility the company of an attractive woman would have some effect on him after his sojourn in the wilds but whether she had produced any deeper effect she could not determine nor did it appear judicious to prompt him unduly but won't you tell me your adventures she said it required a few leading questions to start him but at length he told the story you see he said in conclusion it was lack of definite knowledge as much as the natural obstacles that brought us back and I've been troubled about the thing since we landed. Jesse's manner invited his confidence. I wonder, she said softly, if you would care to tell me why? Hartley's dead, and I understand his daughter has broken down after nursing him.

Starting point is 05:05:14 It's doubtful if her situation can be kept open, and it may be some time before she's strong enough to look for another. He hesitated. in a way i feel responsible for her you really aren't responsible in the least jessie declared still i can understand the idea troubling you would you like me to help you i can hardly ask it but it would be a relief to me vain answered with obvious eagerness then if you'll tell me her address i'll go to see her and we'll consider what can be done Vane leaned forward impulsively. You have taken a weight off my mind. It's difficult to thank you properly.

Starting point is 05:06:05 I don't suppose it will give me any trouble. Of course, it must be embarrassing to feel you had a helpless young woman on your hands. Then a thought flashed into her mind, as she remembered what she had seen at the station some months ago. I wonder if the situation is, is an altogether unusual one to you she continued have you never let your pity run away with your judgment before you wouldn't expect me to proclaim my charities vain objected humorously which was the only means of parrying the question that occurred to him i think you are trying to put me off you haven't given me an answer i believe i was able to make things easier for somebody else not very long ago vain confessed reluctantly but without embarrassment i now see that i might have done harm without meaning to do so it's sometimes extraordinarily difficult to help folks which is why i'm so grateful for your offer

Starting point is 05:07:12 for the next few moments jesse sat silent it was clear that she had misjudged him for although she was not one who demanded too much from human nature the fact that she was not one who demanded too much from human nature the fact that she was not one who demanded too much from human nature the fact fact that Kitty Blake had arrived in Vancouver and his company had undoubtedly rankled in her mind. Now she acquitted him of any blame, and it was a relief to do so. She changed the subject abruptly. I suppose you will make another attempt to find timber, she suggested. Yes, said Vane, in a week or two. He had hardly spoken when Mrs. Nairn came in, and welcomed him with her usual friendliness. "'I'm glad to see you, though you're looking thin,' she said. "'Why did you not come straight to us instead of going to the hotel?

Starting point is 05:08:07 "'You would have got as good as supper as they would give you there.' "'I haven't a doubt of it,' Vane declared. "'On the other hand, I hardly think even one of your suppers would quite have put right, the defect in my appearance you mentioned you see the cause of it has been at work for some time mrs nairn regarded him with half-amused compassion if you'll come over every evening we'll soon cure that i would have been down sooner if aleck whose writing letters had not kept me there was a matter or two he wanted to ask my opinion on i think that was very wise of him his hostess smiled for one thing we had a letter from evelyn chisholm this afternoon she'll be out to spend some time with us in about a month evelyn's coming here vain exclaimed with a sudden stirring of his heart and why should she not come mrs nairn inquired i told you some time ago we partly expect her. You were not astonished then. She appeared to expect an explanation of the change in his

Starting point is 05:09:25 attitude, and as he volunteered none, she drew him a few paces aside. If I'm no betraying a confidence, Evelyn writes that she'll be glad to get away a while. Now I've been wondering why she should be anxious to leave home. She looked at him fixedly, and to his annoyance, he felt his face grow hot. Mrs. Nairn had quick perceptions and was now and then painfully direct. It struck me that Evelyn was not very comfortable there, he replied.

Starting point is 05:10:02 She seemed out of harmony with her people. Mrs. Nairn glanced at him again with amusement in her eyes. It's not unlikely. The reason may serve, for the want of a better. Then she changed her tone. "'You'll away up to Alec, he told me to send you.' Vane went out of the room, but he left Jesse in a thoughtful mood. She had seen him start at the mention of Evelyn,

Starting point is 05:10:32 and it struck her as significant, since she had heard that he had spent some time with the chisms. On the other hand, there was the obvious fact that he had been astonished to hear that Evelyn was coming out, which implied that their acquaintance had not progressed far enough to warrant the girls informing him besides evelyn would arrive for a month and jessie reflected that she would probably see a good deal of vain in the meanwhile she now felt glad that she had promised to look after celia hartley which would no doubt necessitate her consulting with him every now and then end of chapter eighteen recording by roger malone chapter nineteen of the protector by harold bindloss this librovoc's recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline the protector by harold binloss chapter nineteen vane foresees trouble nairn was sitting at a writing-table when vane entered his room and after a few questions about his journey he had concerned about his journey he had

Starting point is 05:11:53 he handed the younger man one of the papers that lay in front of him it's a report from the mine he said vain carefully studied the document it only brings us back to our last conversation on the subject he remarked when his host glanced at him inquiringly we have the choice of going on as we are doing or extending our operations by an increase of capital in the latter case our total earnings might be larger, but I hardly think there would be as good a return on the money actually sunk. Taking it all round, I don't know what to think. But if it appeared that there was a moral certainty of making a satisfactory profit on the new stock, I should consent. Nairn chuckled. A moral certainty is not a very common thing in mining. I believe horse-field's in favor of the scheme. How far would you take you to you? trust that man, Vane inquired.

Starting point is 05:12:57 About as far as I could fling a bull by the tail. The same thing applies to both of them. He has some influence. He'd find supporters. Nairn saw that the meaning of his last remark, which implied that he had no more confidence in Jesse than he had in her brother, had not been grasped by his companion, but he did not consider it judicious to make it plainer. instead he gave vain another piece of information horsefield and winter work into each other's hands but winter has no interest in the clermont nairn smiled sourly he holds no shares in the mine but there's not much in the shape of mineral developments yon man has not an interest in since you do not seem inclined to yield horsefield a point or two it might pay you to watch the pair of them

Starting point is 05:13:55 vain who was aware that winter was a person of some importance in financial circles remained silent for a couple of minutes now he said at length every dollar we have in the clermont is usefully employed and earning a satisfactory profit. Of course, if we put the concern on the market, we might get more than it is worth from investors, but that doesn't greatly appeal to me. It's unnecessary to point out that a director's interest is not invariably the same as that of his shareholders, Nairn rejoined. It's an unfortunate fact, but I'd be no better off if I only got the same actual return on a larger amount of what would be watered stock. There's sense in that. I'm not urging this scheme. There are other points against it, answered Nairn. Well, said Vane, I'll go up and look round the mine, and then we'll have

Starting point is 05:14:58 another talk about the matter. They changed the subject, but Vane walked back to his hotel in a thoughtful frame of mind, and finding Carol in the... smoking-room related his conversation with nairn i am a little troubled about the situation he concluded the clermont finances are now on a sound basis but it might after all prove advantageous to raise further capital and in such a case we would perhaps lie open to attack nairn's inclined to be cryptic in his remarks but he seems to hint that it would be advisable to make horsefields some concession, in other words, to buy him off. Which is a course you have objections to? Yes, said Vane, very decided ones. I think that in a general way, Nairn's advice is sensible.

Starting point is 05:15:58 Where mining and other schemes are floated, there are men who make a good living out of the operations. They're trained to the business. They've control of the dollars. and when a new thing's put in the market they consider they've the first claims on the pickings you needn't elaborate the point vain broke in impatiently you made your appearance in this city as a poor and unknown man with a mind to sell carol went on disregarding tactful hints you lay down your terms and stuck to them launching your venture without considering their views you did the gentleman I've mentioned out of their accustomed toll, and I've no doubt that some of them were indignant.

Starting point is 05:16:47 It's a thing you wouldn't expect them to sanction. Now, however, one who is probably others behind him is making overtures to you. You ought to consider it a compliment, a recognition of ability. The question is, do you mean to slight these advances and go on as you have begun? "'That's my present intention,' Vane answered. "'Then you needn't be astonished if you will find yourself up against a determined opposition by and by,' said Carol. "'I think my friends will stand by me.' Vane looked at him steadily.

Starting point is 05:17:28 "'Thanks, I've merely been pointing out what you may expect, and hinting at the most judicious course, though the latter's rather against my natural inclinations. I'd better add that I've never been particularly prudent, and the opposite policy appeals to me, if we're forced to clear for action, we'll nail the flag to the mast. It was spoken lightly, because the man was serious, but Vane knew he had an ally who would support him with unflinching staunchness. I'm far from sure it will be needful, replied, and they talked about other matters until they strolled off to their rooms. They spent the next day in the city where Vane was kept occupied, after which they sailed once more

Starting point is 05:18:20 for the north, and pushed inland until they were stopped by snow among the ranges without finding the spruce. The journey proved as toilsome as the previous one, and both the men were worn out when they reached the coast. Vane was determined on making a third attempt, but he informed Carol that they would visit the mine before proceeding to Vancouver. They had heavy rain during the voyage down the strait, and when, on the day after reaching port, the jaded horses they had hired plotted up the sloppy trail to the mine, a pitiless deluge once more poured down on them. The light was growing dim among the dripping firs, and a deep-toned roar came throbbing across their shadowy ranks. By and by, Vane, who was leading, turned and glanced back at Carol. I've never heard the river so plainly before, he said. It must be unusually swollen.

Starting point is 05:19:25 Since the mine was situated on a narrow level flat between the hillside and the river, carol understood the anxiety in his comrade's voice and urging the wearied horses they pressed on a little faster it was almost dark when they reached the edge of an opening in the furs and saw a clustered of iron-roofed wooden buildings and a tall chimney-stack in front of which the unsightly ore dump extended wet and chilled and worn out as the men were there was comfort in the sight but vain noticed the air-dump extended but vain noticed the air-dump extended wet and chilled and worn out as the men were there was comfort in the sight but vain noticed the that a shallow lake stretched between him and the buildings. On one side of it there was a broad strip of tumbling foam, which rose and fell in confused upheavals and filled the forest with the roar it made. Vane drove his horse into the water,

Starting point is 05:20:19 and dismounting among the stumps before the ore dump, found a wet and soil-stained man awaiting him. A long trail of smoke floated away from the iron stack behind him, and through the sound of the river there broke the clank and thud of hard-driven pumps. "'You have got a big head of steam up, Salter,' he said. The man nodded. "'We want it.

Starting point is 05:20:46 It's taking me all my time to keep the water out of the workings. Leave your horses. I'll send along for them, and I'll show you what we've been doing after supper.' "'I'd sooner go now while I'm wet.' vain answered they went down into the mine the approach looked like a canal and they descended the shallow shaft amidst a thin cascade the tunnel they reached slanted for the load dipped and the lights that twinkled here and there among the timbering showed shadowy half-naked figures toiling in water which rose well up their boots further streams of it ran in from fissures and vane's face grew grave as he plodded through the flood with a lamp in his hand he spent an hour in the workings asking salt or a question now and then and afterwards went back with him to one of the sheds where he dressed in dry clothes and sat down to a meal when it was over and the table had been cleared he lay in a canvas chair beside the stove in which a table had been cleared in a canvas chair beside the stove in which

Starting point is 05:21:57 resinous billets snapped and crackled cheerfully. The deluge roared upon the iron roof. The song of the river rose and fell, filling the place with sound, and now and then the pounding and clanking of the pumps broke in. Vane examined the sheets of figures, Salter handed him. Then he carefully turned over some of the pieces of stone the table was partly covered with.

Starting point is 05:22:25 There's no doubt those specimens aren't. so promising, and the cost of extraction is going up, he said at length. I'll have a talk with Nairn when I get back, but in the meanwhile, it looks as if we were going to have trouble with the water. It's a thing I've been afraid of for some time, Salter answered. We can keep down any leakage that comes in through the rocks, though it means driving the pumps hard, but an inrush from the river would beat us. vain let the matter drop and an hour later he retired to his wooden berth in a few minutes he was fast asleep but was awakened by a shrill note which he recognized as the whistle of the engine

Starting point is 05:23:12 it was sounding the alarm and next moment he was struggling into his clothing then the door swung open and salter stood in the entrance lantern in hand with water trickling from him there was keen anxiety in his expression floods lapping the bank-top now he said there's a jam in the narrow place at the head of the rapid and the water's backing up i'm going along with the boys he vanished as suddenly as he had appeared and vain dragged on his jacket if the mine were drowned operations might be stopped for a considerable time what was more it would precipitate a crisis in the affairs of the company and necessitate an increase of its capital which he would sooner avoid he was outside in less than a minute and stood still looking about him while the deluge lashed his face and beat his clothing against his limbs. He could only make out a blurred mass of climbing trees on one side, and a strip of foam cutting through the black level which he supposed was water in front of him. His trained ears, however, gave him a little information,

Starting point is 05:24:32 for the clamor of the flood was broken by a sharp snapping and crashing, which he knew was made by driftwood driving furiously against the boulders. in that region the river banks are encumbered here and there with great logs partly burned by forest fires reaped by gales or brought down from the hillsides by falls of frost-loosened soil a flood higher than usual sets them floating and unsubsiding sometimes leaves them packed in a gorge or stranded in a shallow to wait for the next big rise now they were driving down and as salter had said jamming at the head of the rapid suddenly a column of fierce white radiance leaped up lower down stream and vain knew that a big compressed air-lamp had been carried to the spot where the driftwood was gathering even at a distance the brightness of the glare dazzled him so that he could see nothing else when he headed towards it he collided with a fir stump and struck it with his knee and in another minute the splashing about his feet warned him that he was entering the water having no wish to walk into the main stream he floundered to one side he was however getting nearer to the blaze and by and by he made out a swarm of figure scurrying about beneath it

Starting point is 05:26:05 some of them had saws or axes for he caught the gleam of steel and broke into a run and presently carol whom he had forgotten came up calling to him end of chapter nineteen recording by roger maline chapter twenty of the protector by harold binloss this librovoc's recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline the the protector by harold bindloss chapter twenty the flood when he reached the blast lamp which was raised on a tall tripod vein stood with his back to the pulsating blaze while he grasped the details of a somewhat impressive scene a little upstream of him the river leaped out of the darkness breaking into foaming waves and a wall of dripping firs flung back the roared made, the first rows of serried trunks standing out hard and sharp in the fierce white light. Nearer where he stood, a projecting spur of rock narrowed in the river, which boiled tumultuously against its foot, while about halfway across, the top of a giant boulder rose above the flood. Vane could only just see it because a mass of driftwood, which was momentarily growing,

Starting point is 05:27:41 stretched from bank to bank. A big log, drifting down sideways, had brought up upon the boulder, and, once fixed, had seized and held fast each succeeding trunk. Some had been driven partly out upon those that had preceded them. Some had been drawn beneath the ladder,

Starting point is 05:28:03 and catching the bottom, had jammed. Then the rest had been wedged by the current into the gathering mass, trunks, branches, and brushwood all finding a place. When the stream is strong, a jam, as it is called, usually extends downwards as well as rises, as the water it pens back increases in depth until it forms a solid barrier from surface to bed. If it occurs during a log drive, the river is choked with lumber. Bent figures were at work with axes at the shoreward end of the mass.

Starting point is 05:28:44 Others had crawled out along the logs, in search of another point where they could advantageously be attacked. But Vane, watching them with practiced eyes, decided that they were largely throwing their toil away. Next, he glanced downstream, but powerful as the light was, it did not pierce far into the darkness and the rain. and the mad white rush of the rapid vanished abruptly into the surrounding gloom then he caught the clink of a hammer on a drill and seeing salter not far away strode towards him

Starting point is 05:29:23 how are you getting to work he asked salter pointed to the foot of the rock they stood upon i reckoned if we could put a shot in yonder we might cut out stone enough to clear the butts of the larger luller that are keying up the jam. You're wasting time, starting at the wrong place. It's possible, but what am I to do? I'd sooner split that boulder or chop down to the king log there, but the boys can't get across. I think I could, Vane answered. I'll try if it's necessary.

Starting point is 05:30:04 Salter expostulated, I want to point out that. that you're the boss director of this company. I don't know what you're making out of it, but you can hire men to do the kind of work you think of undertaking for three dollars a day. Well, let the boys try it, if they're willing. Vane raised his voice. Are any of you open to earn twenty dollars? I'll pay that to the man who'll put a stick of giant powder in yonder boulder, and another twenty to whoever can find the king log and chop it through. Three or four of them crept cautiously along the driftwood bridge.

Starting point is 05:30:45 It heaved and worked beneath them, the foam sluiced across it, and the stream forced the thinner tops of shattered trees above the barrier. It was obvious that the men were risking life and limb, and there was a cry from the rest when one of them went down and momentarily disappeared. He scrambled to his feet again, but those behind him stopped, bracing themselves against the stream, knee-deep in rushing froth.

Starting point is 05:31:17 Most of them had followed rough and dangerous occupation in the bush, but they were not professional riverjacks, trained to high proficiency in log-driving, and one turning shouted to the watchers in the bank. this jam's not solid he explained she's working open and shutting and you can't tell where the brakes are he stooped and rubbed his leg and vane understood him to add figured i had it smashed vane swung round towards carol who was standing close by we give them a lead salter ventured another remonstrance stay where you are how are you going to manage if the boys can't tackle the thing they haven't as much at stake as i have was vane's reply i'm a director of the company as you pointed out give me two sticks of giant powder some fuse and detonators after cramming the blasting material into his pocket vane called to carroll are you coming with me since i can't stop you i suppose i'd better go carroll replied

Starting point is 05:32:36 they sprang down the bank vain crawled out on the working timber with carroll who carried a heavy hammer a few feet behind him the perilous bridge they traversed groaned beneath their feet but they had joined the other men before they came to any particularly troublesome opening then the cluster of what figures was brought up by a gap filled with leaping foam in the midst of which brushwood swung to and fro and projecting branches ground on one another whether there was solid timber a foot or two beneath or only the entrance to some cavity by which the stream swept through the barrier there was nothing to show but vain set his lips and jumped he alighted on something that bore him and when the others followed floundering and splashing the deliberation the deliberation the deliberation the deliberation the deliberation which had hitherto characterized their movements suddenly deserted them they had reached the limit beyond which it was no longer useful when they had crossed the gap vain and those behind him blundered on in hot fury they had risen to the demand on them and the curious psychic change had come now they must achieve success or face annihilation but in this there was nothing unusual it is the alternative offered to many a log driver miner and sailor man neither vain nor carroll nor any of those who assisted them had any clear recollection of what they did somehow they reached the boulder somehow they plied axe or iron-hooked peavy while the unstable foam-lapped platform rocked beneath their feet

Starting point is 05:34:30 every movement entailed a peril no one could calculate but they savagely toiled on when vain began to swing a hammer above a drill or whom he got it from he did not know any more than he remembered when he had torn off and thrown away his jacket though the sticks of giant powder which had been in his pocket lay close by upon the stone sparks sprang from the drill which carol held and fell among the coils of snaky fuse but that did not trouble either and it was only when vain was breathless that he changed places with his companion about them bowed figures that breathed in stertorous gasps grappled desperately with grinding smashing logs sometimes they were forced up in harsh distinctness by a dazzling glazoned air. Sometimes they faded into blurred shadows, as the pulsating flame upon the bank sank a little, or was momentarily blown aside. But all the while, gorged veins rose on bronzed foreheads, and toiled-hardened muscles were taxed to the uttermost. At last, when a trunk rolled beneath him, Carol missed a stroke and realized with a shock of dismay that it was not the drill he had

Starting point is 05:35:57 had brought his hammer down upon. I couldn't help it, he gasped. Where did I hit you? Get on, Vane said hoarsely. I can hold the drill. Carol struck for a few more minutes, after which he flung down the hammer and inserted the giant powder into the holes

Starting point is 05:36:18 sunk in the stone. Next he lighted the fuse, and warning the others, they hastily recrossed the recrossed the dangerous bridge. They had reached the edge of the forest when a flash sprang up amidst the foam, and a sharp crash was followed by a deafening, drawn-out uproar. Rending, grinding, smashing, the jam broke up, hammered upon the partly shattered boulder, and, carrying it away, or driving it, washed in tremendous ruin down the rapid.

Starting point is 05:36:53 When the wild clamor had subsided, Salter gave the men some instructions, and then as they approached the lamp, noticed Vane's reddened hand. "'That looks a nasty smash. You want to get it seen to,' he remarked. "'I'll get it dressed at the settlement. We'll make an early start tomorrow,' said Vane. "'We were lucky in breaking the jam, but you'll have the same. trouble over again any time a heavy flood brings down an unusual quantity of driftwood it's what i'd expect agreed salter then something will have to be done to prevent it i'll go into the matter when i reach the city carol and vane walked back to the shack where the former bound up his comrade's injured hand and after a rest left the mine early next morning vane got his hand dressed when they reached the little mining town at the head of the railroad and on the following day they arrived in vancouver end of chapter twenty recording by roger

Starting point is 05:38:17 chapter twenty one of the protector by harold bindloss this librovoc's recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline the protector by harold bindloss chapter twenty one vane yields a point the short afternoon was drawing towards its close when vane came out of a building in hasting street vancouver the meeting went satisfactorily factorily taking it all around he remarked to carroll who was with him i think so agreed his companion but i'm far from sure that horsefield was pleased with the stockholder's decision vain nodded in a thoughtful manner after returning from the mine he had gone inland to examine a new irrigation property he had been asked to take an interest in and had only got back in time for a meeting of the clermont shareholder which Nairn had arranged in his absence. The meeting was just over, and though Vane had been forced to yield to a majority on some points, he had secured the abandonment of a proposition he considered dangerous.

Starting point is 05:39:34 Though I don't see what the man could have gained by it, I'm inclined to believe that if Nairn and I had been absent, he'd have carried his reconstruction scheme, he said. That wouldn't have pleased me. i thought it injudicious carroll commented it was only because we must raise more money i agreed to the issue of the new shares vane went on we ought to pay a fair dividend on such a moderate sum you think you'll get it i've not much doubt vane was capable and forceful but his abilities were rather of a practical than a diplomatic order and he was occasionally addicted to headstrong action. Knowing that he had a very cunning antagonist intriguing against him,

Starting point is 05:40:27 his companion had misgivings. "'Shall we walk back to the hotel?' he asked. "'No,' said Vane. "'I'll go across and see how Celia Hartley's getting on. I am afraid I've been forgetting her.' "'Then I'll come, too. You may need me. there are matters you're not to be trusted with alone just then nairn came down the steps and waved his hand to them you will not forget that mrs nairn is expecting both of you this evening

Starting point is 05:41:01 he passed on and they set off together across the city towards the district where celia lived though the quarter in question may have been improved out of existence since some little time ago rows of low-rented shack stood upon mounds of sweating sawdust which had been dumped into a swampy hollow leaky frail and fissured they were not the kind of places anyone who could help it would choose to live in but vane found the sick girl still installed in one of the worst of them she looked pale and haggard but she was busily at work upon some millinery and the light of a tin lamp showed drayton and kitty blake sitting near her you oughtn't to be at work you don't look fit vane said to celia and hesitated a moment before he continued i'm sorry we couldn't find that spruce but as i'm sorry we couldn't find that spruce but as i'm a-i'm sorry we couldn't find that spruce but as i'm a-i'm a man I told Drayton, we're going back to try again." The girl smiled bravely. Then you'll find it next time. I'm glad I'm able to do a little.

Starting point is 05:42:13 It brings a few dollars in. But what are you doing? Making hats. I did one for Miss Horsefield, and afterwards friends of hers sent me some more to trim. She said she'd try to get me some work from one of the big stores. but you're not a milliner are you said vane who felt grateful to jesse for the practical way in which she had kept her promise to assist celia's something better kitty broke in she's a genius the others laughed and vane anxious to turn the conversation away from miss horsefield's action led them on to general chatter under cover of which he drew drayton to the door

Starting point is 05:43:00 the girl looks far from fit he said has the doctor been over lately two or three days ago answered drayton we've been worried about her it's out of the question that she should go back to the hotel and she can only manage to work a few hours daily there's another thing the clerk of the fellow who owns these shacks has just been along for his rent it's overdue where's he now drayton laughed for the sounds of a vigorous altercation rose from farther up the unlighted street i guess he's yonder having some more trouble with his collecting i'll fix that matter anyway said vane who disappeared into the darkness it was some time later when he re-entered the shack and waited until a remark of celia's gave him a lead you're really a partner in the lumber scheme he said i can't see why you shouldn't draw some of your share of the proceeds beforehand the first payment isn't to be made until you find the spruce and get your lease the girl reminded him you've already paid a hundred dollars we had no claim upon that doesn't matter i'm going to find it yes said celia with a look of confidence I think you will, but—and a flicker of color crept into her thin face. I can't take any more money until it's done.

Starting point is 05:44:38 Vane, failing in another attempt to shake her resolution, dropped the subject, and soon afterwards he and Carol took their departure. They were sitting in their hotel, waiting for dinner, when Carol, who lay in a luxurious chair, looked up lazily. What are you thinking about so hard, he inquired? Vane glanced meaningly around the elaborately furnished room. There's a contrast between all this and that rotten shack. Did you notice that Celia never stopped sewing while we were in?

Starting point is 05:45:16 I did, said Carol. I suppose you're going to propound another conundrum of a kind I've heard before, why you should have so many things you don't particularly need, while Miss Hartley must go on sewing, when she's hardly able for it, in her most unpleasant shack? I don't know if the fact that you found a mine answers the question, but if it doesn't, the thing's beyond your philosophy. Come off, vain bade him with signs of impatience. Your moralizing gets on one's nerves.

Starting point is 05:45:52 Anyhow, I straightened out one difficulty. I found the rent-man who's been round worrying her and got rid of him. Carol groaned in mock dismay, which covered some genuine annoyance with himself. What's the matter, Bain inquired? Do you want a drink? I'll get over it, Carol informed him. It isn't the first time I've suffered from the same complaint. But I'd like to point out that your chivalrous impulses may be the ruin of you someday.

Starting point is 05:46:27 Why didn't you let Drayton settle with the man? You gave him a check, I suppose? I did. I'd only a few loose dollars on me. Now I see what you're driving at, and I want to say that any little reputation I possess can pretty well take care of itself. Just so, no doubt it will be necessary, but you're not the only person concerned. But who's likely to take notice of the thing?

Starting point is 05:47:00 I can't tell, but you make enemies as well as friends, and you're walking in slippery places which you're not altogether accustomed to. You can't meet your difficulties with the axe here. That's true, assented Vane, and then. they went into dinner. After the meal, they walked across to Nairns, and when they had been ushered into a room in which several other guests were assembled,

Starting point is 05:47:29 Vane sat down on a sofa beside Jesse Horsefield. "'I want to thank you. I was over at Miss Hartley's this afternoon,' he began. "'I understand you were at the mining meeting.' "'So I was. Your brother would tell that, vain broke off remembering that he had defeated horsefield you were opposed to him but it doesn't follow that i share all his views perhaps i ought to be a staunch or partisan if you'll be just to both of us i'll be satisfied i suppose that means you're convinced of the equity of your cause she suggested i expect i deserve the rebuke but aren't you trying to switch me off the subject vain answered with a laugh it's celia hartley i want to talk about

Starting point is 05:48:26 he did her injustice jessie felt that she had earned his gratitude and she had no objection to his expressing it it was a happy thought of yours to give her hats and things to make i'm ever so much obliged to you i felt you could be trusted to think of the right thing an ingenious idea of that kind would never have occurred to me it was very simple i noticed a hat and dress of hers which she owned she had made the girl has some talent i'm only sorry i can't keep her busy couldn't you give her an order for a dozen hats i'd be glad to be responsible the difficulty would be the disposal of them they would be of no use to you and i couldn't allow you to present them to me i wish i could vain declared you certainly deserve them this was satisfactory so far as it went though jessie would have preferred that his desire to bestow the favor should have sprung from some other motive than a recognition of her services to celia hartley she was however convinced that his only feeling towards the girl was one of compassion then she saw that he was looking at her with half-humorous annoyance in his face are you grieved i won't take those hats she asked i am vain confessed and proceeded to explain with unnecessary ingenuousness i'm still more vexed with the state of things it's typical of i suppose i mean that you mean that you're still more vexed with the state of things it's typical of i suppose i mean that the restrictedness of this civilized life. When you want to do anything in the bush,

Starting point is 05:50:15 you take the axe and set about it, but here you're continually running up against some artificial obstacle. One understands that it's worse in England, said Jesse, but in regard to Miss Hartley, I'll recommend her to my friends as far as I can. Just then Vane made an abrupt movement, and Jesse realized by his expression that he had suddenly become oblivious of her presence. She had no doubt about the reason for this, because Evelyn Chisholm entered the room. The lamplight fell upon her as she crossed the threshold, and Jesse recognized unwillingly that she looked surprisingly handsome. Handsome, however, was not the word Vane would have used. He thought Evelyn looked exotic,

Starting point is 05:51:07 highly cultivated, strangely refined, as though she had grown up in a rarefied atmosphere in which nothing rank could thrive. Though Evelyn had her faults, the impression she made on him was, perhaps, more or less justifiable. Then he remembered that the girl had been offered to him, and he had refused the gift. He wondered how he had exerted the necessary strength of will, for he was conscious that admiration, respect, pity, had now changed and melted into sudden passion. His blood tingled, and, as it happened, no change of his expression was lost upon his companion.

Starting point is 05:51:53 Laying a check upon his thoughts, he resumed a desultory conversation with Jesse, though he betrayed himself several times during it, and at length she let him go. it was however some time before he secured a place beside evelyn he was now quiet and self-contained nairn promised me a surprise this evening but it has exceeded all my expectations he said how are your people evelyn informed him that their health was satisfactory and added watching him the while gerald sent his best remembrances ah said vain in a casual manner i'm glad to have them evelyn was now convinced that mabel had been correct in concluding that he had assisted gerald financially though she was aware that nothing would induce either of the men to acquaint her with the fact i understood from mrs nairn that you were away in the bush she said he turned and regarded her steadily that was the case and i'm shortly going off again perhaps it's fortunate that i may be away some time it will leave you more at ease

Starting point is 05:53:15 the last remark was more of a question than an assertion and evelyn knew the man could be direct she also esteemed candor no she said i wouldn't wish you to think that and i wouldn't like to believe that i had anything to do with driving you away vane saw a faintly warmer tone show through the clear pallor of her skin but while his heart beat faster than usual he felt that she felt that she was a faintly warmer tone show through the clear pallor of her skin but while his heart beat faster than usual he felt that she felt that she felt that she was meant just what she said and nothing more. He must proceed with caution, which was, on the whole, foreign to him, and shortly afterwards he left her. When he was gone, Evelyn sat thinking about him. She had shrunk from the man in rebellious alarm when her parents would have bestowed her hand on him, but even then, and undoubtedly afterwards, she had felt that there was something in his nature which would have attracted her had she been willing to allow it to do so now though he had said nothing to rouse it the feeling was stronger then she remembered with a rather curious smile her father's indignation when vain had withdrawn from the field he had done this because she had appealed to his generosity and she had been grateful to him but unreasonable as she admitted the faint resentment she was conscious she was

Starting point is 05:54:44 of to be the recollection of the fact that he had yielded to her wishes was somehow bitter in the meanwhile carroll had taken his place by jessie's side i understand you steered your comrade satisfactorily through the meeting to-day she began no objected carroll i can't claim any credit for doing so in matters of the kind vain takes full control and i'm willing to own that he drove us all including your brother on the course he chose then it's in other matters you exercise a little judicious pressure on the helm the man looked at her in well-assumed admiration of her keenness i don't know how you guessed it but i suppose it's a fact it's however an open secret that veins now and then unguardedly ingenuous indeed there are respects in which he's a babe by comparison will say with either of us that's rather a dubious compliment jessie informed him what do you think of miss chisholm i suppose you saw a good deal of her in england i spent a month or two in her company so did vain i fancy she's rather like him in several ways and there are reasons for believing that he thinks a good deal of her her. Having watched Vane carefully when Evelyn came in, Jesse was inclined to agree with him, and she glanced round the room. One or two people were moving about, and the rest were talking

Starting point is 05:56:28 in little groups, but there was nobody very near, and she fancied that she and her companion were safe from interruption. What were some of the reasons, she asked. carroll had expected some question of this description and had decided to answer it plainly because it seemed probable that jesse would get the information out of him in one way or another he had also another motive which he thought a commendable one jesse had obviously taken a certain interest in vain but it could not have gone very far as yet and vain did not reciprocate it the latter was however impulsive while jesse was calculating and clever and carol who was slightly afraid of her foresaw that complications might follow any increase of friendliness between her and his comrade he thought it would be better if she left vain alone well he said since you have asked i'll try to tell you he proceeded to recount what had passed at the dean and jessie listened with an expressionless face so he gave her up because he admired her she said at length that's my view of it carol agreed jessie made no comment jessie made no comment but he felt that she was hardly hit which was not what he had anticipated he began to wonder if he had acted judiciously and he glanced about the room

Starting point is 05:58:06 it did not seem considerate to study her expression then a few moments later she turned to him with a smile in which there was the faintest hint of strain i dare say you are right but there are one or two people i haven't spoken to she said and she said and and moved away from him some time after this mrs nairn came upon carroll standing for the moment alone it's not often one sees you lookin moody she informed him was jessie not gracious that said carroll smiling is not the difficulty i'm an unsusceptible and somewhat inconspicuous person not worth powder and shot so to speak for for which I'm sometimes thankful. I believe it saves me a good deal of trouble. Then is it something vain has done that is on your mind? Doubtless you feel him a responsibility. He's all that, Carol confessed. Still, you see, I've constituted myself his guardian.

Starting point is 05:59:17 I don't know why, because he'd probably be very vexed if he suspected it. The gods give you a good concern. concede to yourself, Mrs. Nairn exclaimed. I need it, said Carol, humbly. This afternoon I let him do a most injudicious thing, and now I've done another, which I fear is worse. On the whole, I think I'd better take him away to the bush. He'd be safer there.

Starting point is 05:59:47 You will not, not just now, declared his hostess firmly. Carol made a sign of resignation, nation. Oh, well, he said, if you say so, I'm quite willing to stand out and let things alone. Too many cooks are apt to spoil the kale. Mrs. Nairn left him, but she afterwards once or twice glanced thoughtfully at Vane and Evelyn, who had once more drawn together. End of Chapter 21. Recording by Roger Maline. by Harold Binloss. This Libervox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 06:00:38 Recording by Roger Maline. The Protector by Harold Binloss. Chapter 22. Evelyn goes for a sale. It was about the middle of the morning and Vain sat in Nairn's office. Specimens of ore lately received from the mine were scattered about a table, and Nairn had some papers in his hand. well he said when vane after examining two or three of the stones abruptly flung them down the oars running poorer vain admitted on the other hand i partly expected this and there's better stuff in the reef

Starting point is 06:01:21 we're a little too high i look for more encouraging results when we start the lower heading he went into details of the new operations and when he had finished and when he had finished nairn who had been jotting down some figures looked up yon workings will cost a good deal he pointed out you'll not be able to make a start until we're sure of the money we ought to get it a month or two ago i would have agreed with you but general investors are kiddle cattle and the applications for the new stock are not numerous the plain english of it is that the mine is not so popular as it was, said Vane impatiently. I'm thinking something of the kind, Nairn agreed, and then proceeded with a cautious explanation. The result of the first reduction and the way you forced the concern in the market secured you notice. Folks put their money on you, looking for sensational developments, and when the latter are not forthcoming, they feel a bit sore.

Starting point is 06:02:30 There's nothing discouraging in our accounts. Even if the ore all ran as poor as that, Vane pointed to the specimens on the table, the mine could be worked on a paying basis. We have issued no statements that could spread alarm. Just so, said Nairn. What was looked for was more than a paying basis. You have not come up to expectations.

Starting point is 06:02:57 forby it's my opinion that damaging reports have somehow leaked out from the mine i see clouds in the horizon bendell pledged himself to take up a big block of the shares pointed out in vain if howitzin does the same as he said he would our position would be secure as soon as it was known that they were largely interested others would follow them now you have it in a nutshell it would put a wet blanket on the project if they both back down in the meanwhile we cannot hurry them vain rose we'll leave it at that i've promised to take mrs nairn and miss chisholm for a sale he went out and had got rid of the slight uneasiness the interview had occasioned him before he reached the water-front where he found mrs nairn and miss chisham for a sale he went out and had got rid of the slight uneasiness the interview had occasioned him before he had occasioned him before he where he found mrs nairn and evelyn awaiting him with caroline in attendance in another few minutes they were rowing off to the sloop and as they approached her the elder lady glanced with approval at the craft which swam a gleaming ivory shape upon the shining green brine you have surely been painting the boat she said was that for us vain disregarded the last question she wanted it and paints comparatively cheap it was a little thing but evelyn was pleased the girls had not been greatly considered at the dean and it was flattering to recognize that the man had thought it worth while to decorate his craft in her honor she did not ask herself if he had wished to please her he had invited her for a sale some days ago

Starting point is 06:04:52 and he was thorough in everything he did he handed her and mrs nairn on board and when they sat down in the well he and carroll proceeded to hoist the mainsail it looked exceedingly large as it thrashed and fluttered above their heads and there seemed to be a bewildering quantity of ropes but evelyn was chiefly interested in watching vain he was wonderfully quick but no movement was wasted his face was intent his glance is sharp and she liked the crisp curt way in which he spoke to carol the man's task was in one sense not important but he was absorbed in it then while carol slipped the moorings he ran up the head sails and springing aft seized the tiller as the boat slanting over began to forge through the water it was the first time evelyn had ever travelled under sail and receptive as she was of all new impressions she sat silent a few minutes rejoicing in the sense of swift and easy motion the inlet was crisped by small white ripples and the boat with her boom brought off on her quarter drove through them a sparkling wedge of foam on her lee bow and a stream of froth sluicing past her head sides. Overhead, the great inclined sail cut, sharply white, against the dazzling blue, and close by her, Vane sat gripping the tiller. They swept out through the gate of the

Starting point is 06:06:34 narrows, and Vane luffed the boat up to a moderately fresh breeze. It's off the land and will have fairly smooth water, he explained, and added, How do you like sailing? it's glorious on a day like this she declared and looked back towards the distant snow if anything more were wanted there are the mountains too vein smiled but there was a suggestive sparkle in his eyes yes he said we have them both and that's something to be thankful for the sea and the mountains the two grandest things in this world if you think that how did you reconcile yourself to the city i'm not sure i've done so he indicated the gleaming heights i'm going back up yonder very soon mrs nearn glanced at carol who affected to be busy with a rope then she turned to vain it will not be possible with winter coming on it's not really so bad then vain declared besides i expect to get my work done before the hardest weather's due but you cannot leave vancouver until you have settled about the mine i don't want to vain admitted that's not quite the same thing it is with the good many people carol interposed with a smile

Starting point is 06:08:15 in the meanwhile they were driving out to the southwards opening up the strait with the forest to port growing smaller and the short seas increasing in size the breeze was cold but the girl was warmly clad and the easy motion in no way troubled her the rush of keen salt air stirred her blood and all around her were spread wonderful harmonies of silver-laced blue and green through which the straining fabric that carried her swept on the mountains were majestic but except when tempests laughed their crags or torrents swept on the mountains were majestic but except when tempests laughed their crags or torrents swept their lower slopes, they were wrapped in eternal repose. The sea was filled with ecstatic motion. The hills have their fascination. It's a thing I know, she said, to draw the helmsman out. I think I should like the sea, too, but at first sight its charm isn't quite so plain. You have started him, interposed Carol. He won't refuse that challenge. vain accepted it with a smile which meant more than good-humored indulgence well he began the seas the same everywhere unbridled unchanging a force that remains as it was in the beginning

Starting point is 06:09:44 once you're out of harbor under sail you have done with civilization it is possibly provided you with excellent gear but it can do no more you stand alone you stand alone stripped for the struggle with the elements. Is it always a struggle? Evelyn asked to prompt him. Always. The seas as treacherous as the winds that vex it, pitiless, murderous. When you have only sailed to trust to,

Starting point is 06:10:17 you can never relax your vigilance. You must watch the varying drift of clouds and the swing of the certain tides. There's nothing and nobody. to fall back upon when the breeze pipes its challenge you have sloughed off civilization and must stand or fall by the raw natural powers man is born with and chief among them is the capacity for brutal labor the thrashing sail must be mastered the tackle crackling with the strain must be hauled in perhaps that's the charm of it for some of us whose lives are pretty smooth it takes one back as i said to the beginning but haven't human progress and machines made everybody's lives more smooth vain laughed somewhat grimly oh no i think that can never be done so far somebody pays for the other's ease at sea in the mine and in the bush man still grapples with the rugged naked world

Starting point is 06:11:27 the girl was pleased she had drawn him out and she thought he had in speaking kept a fair balance between too crude a mode of colloquial expression and poetic elaboration there was she knew a vein of poetic conception in him and the struggle he had hinted at could only be described fittingly in heroic language it was in one sense a pity that those who had the gift of it and cultivated imagine had for the most part never been forced into the fight but that was perhaps not a matter of much importance there were plenty of men such as her companion endowed with endurance who if they seldom gave their thoughts free rein rejoiced in the struggle and by them the world's sternest work was done After all, she said, we have the mountains in civilized England. Vane did not respond with the same freedom this time. He was inclined to think he had spoken too unrestrainedly. Yes, he agreed, smiling.

Starting point is 06:12:43 You can walk about them, where you won't disturb the grouse, and they're grand enough, but if you look down, you can see the motor dust trails. and the tourist coaches in the valleys. But why shouldn't people enjoy themselves in that way? I can't think of any reason. No doubt most of them have earned the right to do so. But you can't rip up those hills with giant powder

Starting point is 06:13:12 where you feel inclined or set to work to root out some miles of forest. The government encourages that kind of thing here. And that's the thing. the charm yes said vain i suppose it is i'd better explain carroll broke in men of a certain temperament are apt to fall a prey to fantasies in the newer lands any common sense they once possessed seems to desert them after that they're never happy except when they're ripping things such as big rocks and trees to pieces and they're pieces and they're and though they'll tell you it's only to get out minerals or clear a ranch they're wrong once they get the mine or ranch they don't care about it and set to work wrecking things again isn't that so mrs they are such crazy bodies agreed the lady i know one or two but if i had my way with them they should find one mine or build one sawmill

Starting point is 06:14:22 and then said carroll you would chain them up for good by marrying them i would like to try but i'm not sure it would act in every case i have come across some women as bad as the men they would drive their husbands on maybe and she smiled in a half wistful manner it's as well to do something worth the remembering when you are young there's a long time to sit still in afterwards half in banter and half in earnest they had given evelyn a hint of the master passion of the true colonist whose pride is in his own is burdened. Afterwards, Mrs. Nairn led the conversation, until Carol laid out in the saloon a somewhat elaborate lunch, which he had brought from the hotel. Then the others went below, leaving Vane at the helm. And Carol looked at him ruefully when they came up again. "'I'm afraid Miss Chisholms disappointed,' he explained. "'No,' said Evelyn. that would be most ungrateful.

Starting point is 06:15:37 I only expected a more characteristic example of sea-cookery. After what Mr. Vane told us, a lunch like the one you provided, with glass and silver, struck me as rather an anachronism. It's better to be broken into sea-cookery gently, Vane interposed with some dryness. It's a poor compliment to take it for granted that we're afraid of a little hardship.

Starting point is 06:16:05 Besides, I don't think you're right. Vane, who left the helm to Carol, went below, and the latter smiled at Evelyn. He won't be long, he informed her. He hasn't got rid of his primitive habits yet. Vane came up satisfied in about ten minutes, and glancing about him, before he resumed the helm, noticed that it was blowing fresher,

Starting point is 06:16:32 but it did not inconvenience the party and as they ran homewards the breeze gradually died away the broad inlet lay still in the moonlight when they crept across it with the water lapping very faintly about the boughs and it was over a mirror-like surface they rode ashore nairn was waiting at the foot of the steps and evelyn walked back with him feeling she could not tell exactly why that she had not tell exactly why that she had been waiting at the foot of the steps and evelyn was waiting at the foot of the steps and evelyn walked back with him feeling that she had had been drawn closer to the sloop's helmsman. End of Chapter 22. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 23 of the Protector by Harold Bindloss. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline.

Starting point is 06:17:30 The Protector by Harold Bindloss. Chapter 23. Vane proves obdurate. Vane spent two or three weeks. very pleasantly in vancouver for evelyn of whom he saw a good deal was gracious to him the embarrassment both had felt on their first meeting in the western city had speedily vanished they had resumed their acquaintance on what was ostensibly a purely friendly footing and since both avoided any reference to what had taken place in england it had ripened into a mutual confidence this would have been less probable in the older country where they would have been continually reminded of what the chisholm family had expected of them but the past seldom counts for much in the new and changeful west whose inhabitants look forward to the future indeed there is something in its atmosphere which banishes regret and retrospection and when evelyn looked back at all she felt inclined to wonder why she had once been so troubled by the man

Starting point is 06:18:39 satisfaction with her company she decided that this could not have been the result of any aversion from him and that it was merely an instinctive revolt against the part her parents had wished to force upon her chisholm and his wife had blundered as such people often do for it is possible that had they adopted a perfectly neutral attitude everything would have gone as they desired their mistake was nevertheless a natural one somewhat exaggerated reports of vane's prosperity had reached them but while they coveted the advantages his wealth might offer their daughter in their secret hearts they looked upon him as something of a barbarian which idea the opinions he occasionally expressed in their hearing did not dispel both feared that evelyn regarded him in the same light and it accordingly became evident that a little pressure might be required in spite of their prejudices they did not shrink from applying it in the meanwhile several people in vancouver watched the increase of friendliness between the girl and vain mrs nairn and her husband and did so with benevolent interest and it was by the former's adroit management which evelyn did not often suspect that they were thrown more and more into each other's company jesse horsefield however looked on with bitterness she was a strong-willed young woman who had hitherto generally contrived to obtain what she had set her heart upon and she had set it upon this man indeed she had fancied that he returned the feeling but disillusionment had come in the evening when he had unexpectedly met evelyn her resentment against the girl grew steadily stronger until it threatened to prove dangerous on opportunity

Starting point is 06:20:39 there were however days when vain was disturbed in mind winter was coming on and although it is rarely severe on the southern seaboard it is by no means the season one would choose for an adventure among the ranges of the northern wilderness unless he made his search for the spruce very shortly he might be compelled to postpone it until the spring at the risk of being forestalled but there were two reasons which detained him he thought he was gaining ground in evelyn's esteem and he feared the effect of absence while there was no doubt that the new issue of the clermont shares was in very slack demand to leave the city might cost him a good deal but he had pledged himself to go the latter fact was uppermost in his mind one evening when he set off to call upon celia hartley and as it happened evelyn and mrs nairn were driving past as he turned off from a busy street towards the quarter in which she lived it had been dark some little time but evelyn had no difficulty in recognizing him indeed she watched him for a few moments while he passed on into a more shadowy region where the gloom and dilapidation of the first small frame houses were noticeable and she wondered what kind of people inhabited it she did not think mrs nairn had noticed vain you have never taken me into the district on our left she said i'm not likely to was the answer we're not proud of it i suppose the chinese and other aliens live there evelyn suggested they do said mrs nairn with some dryness i'm not sure however that they're the worst but one understands that you haven't a criminal population

Starting point is 06:22:42 we have folks who are on the fringe of it only we see they live altogether people who would be respectable live somewhere else except a few who have to consider cheapness but it's not a recommendation to be seen going into yon quarter after dark this left evelyn thoughtful since she had undoubtedly seen vain going there she considered herself a judge of character and generally trusted her intuitions and she believed the man's visit to the neighborhood in question admitted of some satisfactory explanation. On the other hand, she felt that her friend should be beyond suspicion. Taking it all round, she was rather vexed with Vane, and it cost her some trouble to drive the matter out of her mind, though she succeeded in doing so. She did not see Vane next day,

Starting point is 06:23:39 but the latter called upon Nairn at his office during his own. the afternoon. Have you had any more applications for the new stock? he asked. I have not, said Nairn. Neither Bendell nor Howiston has paid up yet. Investors are shy, that's a fact, Vane confessed. It's unfortunate. I've already put off my trip north as long as possible. I wanted to see things on a satisfactory basis before I went. A prudent wish, I would advise you to carry it out. What do you mean by that? Something like this. If the money's not forthcoming, we may be compelled to fall back upon a

Starting point is 06:24:27 different plan, and, unless you're to the fore, the decision of a shareholders' meeting might not suit you. Considering the position and the stock you hold, any views you might express would care. mere weight than mine could do in your absence. Vane drummed with his fingers on the table. I suppose that's the case, but I've got to make the journey. With moderately good fortune, it shouldn't take me long. You would be running some risk if anything delayed you, and we had to call a meeting before you got back. I see that, but it can't be helped. I expect to be back, before i'm wanted anyway i could leave you authority to act on my behalf after a further attempt to dissuade him nairn spread out one hand resignedly he who will be kuperman be left to gang he said whilst i have wondered why any one should be so keen on getting there but doubtless a due scottish town has mere attractions for a sensible person than the rugged northwest

Starting point is 06:25:41 in wintertime. Vane, who smiled at this, went out and left him, and when he reached home, Nairn briefly recounted the interview to his wife over his evening meal. Evelyn, who was with them, listened attentively. "'Yon man will not hear reason,' Nairn concluded. "'He's thron!' Evelyn had already noticed that her host, for whom she had a strong liking, spoke broader Scots when he was either amused or angry, and she supposed that Vane's determination disturbed him.

Starting point is 06:26:19 But why should he persist in leaving the city when it's to his advantage to do so, as you lead one to believe it is, she asked. If the latter's not absolutely certain, it's very likely, Nairn informed her. You have only answered half my question, Evelyn pointed out. mrs nairn smiled aleck she said is reserved by nature but if you're anxious for an answer i might tell you anxious hardly describes it evelyn replied then we'll say curious the fact is vane made a bargain with a sick prospector in which he undertook to locate some timber the man had discovered away among the mountains he was to pay the other a share of its value when he got his government license is the timber very valuable no broke in nairn one might make a fair business profit out of pulping it though the thing's far from certain. Then why is Mr. Vane so keen on finding it? The question gave Mrs. Nairn a lead,

Starting point is 06:27:37 but she decided to say no more than was necessary. The prospector died, but that bound the bargain tighter, in Vane's opinion. The man died without a dollar, leaving a daughter worn out and ill with nursing him. According to the arrangement, his share will go to the girl. Then, said Evelyn, Mr. Vane is really undertaking the search in order to keep his promise to a man who is dead, and he will not even postpone it, because if he did so, this penniless girl might, perhaps, lose her share. Isn't that rather fine of him? On the whole, you understand the position, Nairn agreed. If you desire my view of the matter, I would merely say that,

Starting point is 06:28:27 that yawns the kind of man he is." Evelyn made no further comment, though the last common phrase struck her as a most eloquent tribute. She had heard Vane confess that he did not want to go north at present, and she now understood that to do so might jeopardize his interests in the mine, but he was undoubtedly going. He meant to keep his promise. This was what one would expect of him. as it happened he took her for a drive among the stanley pines one mild afternoon a few days later and though she knew she would regret his departure she was unusually friendly

Starting point is 06:29:09 vain rejoiced at it but he had already decided that he must endeavor to proceed with caution and content himself in the meanwhile with the part of trusted companion for this reason he chatted lightly which he felt was safer during most of the drive but he once or twice responded without reserve when by chance or design she asked a leading question i wonder if you ever feel any regret at having left england for this country she said i did so pretty often when i first came out he answered in those days i had to work in icy water and carry massive lumps of rock i dare say regret was a very natural feeling then but that wasn't quite what i meant so i supposed vain confessed well i'd better own that when i spent a week or two in england at the dean i began to think i missed a good deal by not staying at home it struck me that the life you led had a singular charm everything went so smoothly there among the sheltering hills one felt that care and anxiety could not creep in somehow the place reminded me of avalon the impression was by no means correct said evelyn but i don't think you have finished won't you go on then if i get out of my depth you mustn't blame me by and by i discovered that charm wasn't the right word the place was permeated with a narcotic spell narcotic said evelyn do you think the term's more appropriate

Starting point is 06:31:02 i do vain declared narcotics one understands are insidious things if you take them regularly in small doses they increase their hold on you until you become wrapped up in dreams and unrealities if however you get too big a dose at the beginning it leads to a vigorous revulsion its nature's warning and remedy you're not flattering said evelyn but i almost fancy you are right we are told that man was made to struggle to use all his powers if he rests too long beside the still backwaters of life in fairy-like dales they're apt to atrophy and he finds himself slack and nerveless when he goes out to face the world again evelyn nodded for she had felt and striven against the insidious influence he spoke of she had now and then left the drowsy dale for a while but the life she had then caught glimpses of was equally sheltered one possibly only to the favored few even the echoes of the real tense struggles seldom passed its boundaries but you confessed not long ago that you loved the western wilderness she said you have spent a good deal of time in it you expect to do so again after all isn't that only exchanging one beautiful tranquil region for another the bush must be even quieter than the english dales i expect i haven't made the point quite clear when one goes up into the bush it's not to lounge and dream there but to make war upon it with the axe and drill

Starting point is 06:32:59 he pulled up his team and pointed to a clump of giant trees look here that's nature's challenge to man in this country evelyn confessed that it was a very impressive one the great trunks ran to the great trunks ran up far aloft tremendous columns before their higher portions were lost in the vaulted roof of sober greenery they dwarfed the rig and team she felt herself a pigmy by comparison they're rather bigger than the average her companion resumed still that's the kind of thing you run up against when you buy land to make a ranch of or clear the ground for a mine chopping sawing up splitting those giants doesn't fill one with languorous dreams the only ones our ax men indulge in materialize it's a bracing struggle there are leagues and leagues of trees shrouding the valleys in a shadow that has lasted since the world was young but you see the dawn of a wonderful future breaking in as the long ranks go down once more without clearly intending it he had stirred the girl he had not spoken in that rather fanciful style to impress her she thought he had trusting in her comprehension merely given his ideas free rein but in doing so he had somehow made her hear the clear trumpet call to action which for some men rings through the roar of the river and the song of the tall black pines ah she said i dare say it's a fine life in many ways but it must have its drawbacks the flesh must shrink from them

Starting point is 06:34:58 the flesh he said and laughed in this land it takes second place except perhaps in the cities then he turned and looked at her curiously why should you talk of shrinking the bush couldn't daunt you you have courage the girl's eyes sparkled but it was not at the compliment his words rang with freedom the freedom of the heights where heroic effort was the rule in place of luxury she longed now as she had often done to escape from bondage to break away ah well she said half wistfully i expect it's fortunate that such courage as i have may never be put to the test though reticence was difficult vain made no comment he had spoken unguardedly already and he had decided that caution was desirable as it happened an automobile came up when he restarted his team and he looked round as he drove on again it's curious that i never heard the thing he said i didn't either said evelyn and added as if any explanation were needed i was too engrossed in the trees but i think miss horsefield was in it was she said vain in a very casual manner and evelyn for no reason that she was willing to admit was pleased she had not been mistaken jesse horsfield was in the automobile and she had had a few moments in which to study vane and his companion

Starting point is 06:36:48 the man's look and the girl's expression had struck her as significant and her lips set ominously tight as the car sped on she felt she almost hated vane and there was no doubt that she entirely hated the girl at his side End of Chapter 23. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 24 of The Protector by Harold Binloss. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. The Protector by Harold Binloss. Chapter 24.

Starting point is 06:37:38 Jesse Strikes It was the afternoon before Vane's departure for the north, and evelyn sitting alone for the time being in mrs nairn's drawing-room felt disturbed by the thought of it she sympathized with his object but she supposed there was a certain risk attached to the journey and that troubled her in addition to this there was another point on which she was not altogether pleased she had twice seen vain acknowledge a bow from a very pretty girl whose general appearance suggested that she did not belong to evelyn's own walk of life and that very morning she had noticed him crossing a street in the young woman's company vain as it happened had met kitty blake by accident and had asked her to accompany him on a visit to celia evelyn did not think she was of a jealous disposition and jealousy appeared irrational in the case of a man whom she had dismissed as a suitor but the thing rankled in her mind while she considered it jesse horsfield entered the room i'm hereby invitation to join vane's other old friends in giving him a good send-off she explained evelyn noticed that jesse laid some stress upon her acquaintance with vain and wondered if she had any motive for doing so i suppose you have known him for some time she said

Starting point is 06:39:16 oh yes was the careless answer my brother was one of the first to take him up when he came to vancouver the phrase jarred on evelyn it savored of patronage besides she did not like to think that Vane owed anything to the horse fields. Though I don't know much about it, I understood they were opposed to each other, she said coldly. Their business interests don't coincide, but it doesn't follow that they should disagree about anything else. My brother did all he could to dissuade Vane from going on with his search for the timber until the winter was over. I think it is rather fine of him to persist in it, Evelyn declared. Jesse smiled, though she felt venomous just then. Yes, she agreed. One undoubtedly feels that.

Starting point is 06:40:17 Besides, the thing so characteristic of him, the man's impulsively generous and not easily daunted. He possesses many of the rudimentary virtues, as well as some of the corresponding weaknesses, which is very much what one would look for. What do you mean by that? Evelyn inquired, suppressing her resentment. Though she was not prepared to pose as Vane's advocate,

Starting point is 06:40:46 she was conscious of a growing antagonism against her companion. It's difficult to explain, and I don't know that the subject's worth discussing, said Jesse, however what i think i meant was this veins of a type that's not uncommon in the west and it's a type one finds interesting he's forcibly elementary which is the only way i can express it the restraints the rest of us submit to don't bind him he breaks through them this so evelyn fancied was more or less correct indeed the man's disregard of hampering customs had pleased her but she allowed that some restraints were needful as it happened her companion followed up the same train of thought when one breaks down or gets over fences it's necessary to discriminate she went on lightly men of the berserker type however are more addicted to going straight through the lot in a way they're consistent having smashed one barrier why should they respect the next jessie as she was quite aware was playing a dangerous game one that might afterwards be exposed

Starting point is 06:42:12 still the latter possibility was of less account because detection would come too late if she were successful she was acquainted with the salient points of evelyn's character they're consistent if not always very logical she concluded after a pause one endeavors to make allowances for men of that description something in her tone roused evelyn to sudden imperious anger it was intolerable that this woman should offer excuses for vain what particular allowances do you feel it needful to make in mr vane's case she asked now she was faced by the direct question jessie hesitated as a rule she was subtle but she could be ruthlessly frank and she was possessed by a hatred of the girl beside her you have forced me to an explanation she expostulated the fact is that while he has a room at the hotel he has an establishment in a different neighborhood unfortunately what you could best describe as a latin quarter is a feature of some western towns it was a shock to evelyn one she found it hard to face though she was not convinced the last piece of information agreed with something mrs nairn had told her but although she had on one occasion had the testimony of her eyes in support of it jesse's first statement sounded incredible it's impossible she declared jesse smiled in a bitter manner it's unpleasant but it can't be denied he undoubtedly pays the rent of a shack in the neighborhood i mentioned

Starting point is 06:44:08 evelyn sat tensely still for a moment or two she dared not give rein to her feelings she would not betray herself but composure was extremely difficult if that is so how is it that he is received everywhere at your house and by mrs nairn she asked jessie shrugged her shoulders people in general are the more or less charitable in the case of a successful man apart from that mr vane has a good many excellent qualities as i said one has to make allowances just then to evelyn's relief mrs nairn came in and though the girl suffered during the time it was half an hour before she could find an excuse for slipping away alone then sitting in the gathering darkness in her own room she set herself to consider as dispassionately as possible what she had heard it was exceedingly difficult to believe the charge but jesse's assertion was definite enough and one which if incorrect could be readily disproved nobody would say such a thing unless it could be substantiated and that led evelyn to consider why jessie had given her the information she had obviously done so with at least a trace of malice but this could hardly have sprung from jealousy because evelyn could not think that a woman would vilify a man for whom she had any tenderness besides she had seen vain entering the part of the town indicated where he could not have had any legitimate business

Starting point is 06:46:00 hateful as the suspicion was it could not be contemptuously dismissed then she granted that she had no right to censure the man he was not accountable to her for his conduct but calm reasoning carried her no farther she was once more filled with intolerable disgust and burning indignation somehow she had come to believe in vain and he had turned out an impossible it was about an hour later when vane and carroll entered the house with nairn and proceeded to the latter's room where he offered them cigars so you're all ready to sail the morn he said vain who nodded handed him some papers there's your authority to act in my name if it's required i expect to be back before there is much change in the situation but I'll call it Naneimo, where you can wire me if anything turns up during the three days it may take us to get there. I suppose there's no use in my saying anything more now, but I can't help pointing out that, as head of the concern, you have a certain duty to the shareholders which you seem inclined to disregard, Carol remarked.

Starting point is 06:47:26 I've no doubt their interests will be as safe in Nairn's hands, as in mine, Vain rejoined. I fail to see why you could not have let the whole thing stand over until the spring, said Nairn. The spruce will not run away. I'd have done so had it been a few years earlier, but the whole country is overrun with mineral prospectors and timber riders now. Every month's delay gives somebody else a chance of getting in ahead of me. well said nairn resignedly i can only wish you luck but should you be detained up yonder if one of you could sail across to comox to see if there's any mail there it would be wise to do so

Starting point is 06:48:16 he waved his hand no more of that we'll consider what tactics i had better adopt in case of delay an hour had passed before they went down to join the guests who were arriving for the evening meal as a rule the western business man who is more or less engrossed in his occupation except when he is asleep enjoys little privacy and his friends sometimes compared to his friends sometimes compared to his own Nairn's dwelling to the rotunda of a hotel. The point of this was that people of all descriptions, who have nothing better to do, are addicted to strolling into the combined bazaar and lounge which is attached to many Canadian hostelries. As it happened, Vane sat next to Evelyn at table, but after a quiet reply to his first observation, she turned and talked to the man on her other side. since the latter who was elderly and dull had only two topics the most efficient means of desicating fruit and the lack of railroad facilities vain was somewhat astonished that she appeared interested in his conversation and by and by he tried again he was not more successful this time and his face grew warm as he realized that evelyn was not inclined to talk to him

Starting point is 06:49:45 being a very ordinary mortal and not particularly patient he was sensible of some indignation which was not diminished when on looking round jesse horsfield who sat opposite favored him with a compassionate smile he took his part in the general conversation however and the meal was over and the guests were scattered about the adjoining rooms when after impatiently waiting for the opportunity he found Evelyn alone. She was standing with one hand on a table, looking rather thoughtful. "'I've come to ask what I've done,' he began. Evelyn, who was not prepared for this blunt directness, felt disconcerted, but she broke into a chilly smile. "'The question's rather indefinite, isn't it?' she said. do you expect me to be acquainted with all your recent actions then i'll put the thing in another way do you mind telling me how i have offended you the girl almost wished that she could do so appearances were badly against him but she felt that if he declared himself innocent she could take his word in the face of overwhelming testimony to the contrary

Starting point is 06:51:09 unfortunately however it was unthinkable that she should plainly state the charge do you suppose i should feel warranted in forming any opinion upon your conduct she retorted but you have formed one and it isn't favorable the girl hesitated a moment but she had the courage of her convictions and she felt impelled to make some protest that she said looking him in the eyes is perfectly true he looked more puzzled than guilty and once more she chafed against the fact that she should give him no opportunity of defending himself well he said i'm sorry but it brings us back to my first question the situation was becoming painful as well as embarrassing and evelyn perhaps unreasonably grew more angry with the man. I'm afraid, she said, you are either clever at dissembling or have no imagination.

Starting point is 06:52:22 Vane held himself in hand with an effort. I dare say you're right on the latter point, he informed her. It's a fact I'm sometimes thankful for. It leaves one more free to go straight ahead. Now, as I see the drive, fried fruit man coming in search of you, and you evidently don't mean to answer me, I can't urge the matter. He turned away and left her, wondering why he had abandoned his usual persistency,

Starting point is 06:52:54 unless it was that an uneasy conscience had driven him from the field. It did not occur to her that the man had, under strong provocation, merely yielded to the prompting of a somewhat hasty temper. In the meanwhile he crossed the room in an absent-minded manner and presently found himself near Jesse, who made room for him at her side. It looks as if you were in disgrace to-night, she said, and waited with concealed impatience for his answer. If Evelyn had been clever or bold enough to give him a hint as to what he was suspected of, Jesse foresaw undesirable complications. I think I am, he owned without reflection. The trouble is that while I may deserve it on general grounds, I'm unconscious of having done anything very reprehensible in particular.

Starting point is 06:53:55 Jesse was sensible of considerable relief. The man was sore and resentful. He would not press Evelyn for an explanation, and the breach would widen. in the meanwhile she must play her card skilfully then that fact should sustain you she rejoined we shall miss you after to-morrow more than one of us of course it's too late to tell you that you were not altogether wise in resolving to go everybody has been telling me the same thing for the last few weeks vain informed her then i'll only wish you every success it's a pity bendel and the other man haven't paid up yet she met his surprised look with an engaging smile you needn't be astonished there's not very much goes on in the city that i don't hear about you know how men talk business here and it's interesting to look on even when one can't actually take a hand in the game

Starting point is 06:55:06 it said the watchers sometimes see most of it to tell the truth it's the uncertainty as to what those two men might do that has been chiefly worrying me i believe i understand the position they've been hanging fire haven't they but i've reasons for believing they'll come to a decision before very long vain looked troubled that's interesting but i ought to warn you that your brother i've no intention of giving him away and as a matter of fact i think you are a little prejudiced against him after all he's not to warn you that your brother after all he's not a matter of way and as a matter of fact i think you are a little prejudiced against him after all he's not your greatest danger there's a cabal against you among your shareholders she knew by the way he looked at her that he admired her acumen yes he agreed i've suspected that there are two courses open to you the first is to put off your expedition the answer was to the effect she had anticipated i can't do so for several reasons the other is to call it nanamo and wait until we'll say next thursday if there's need for you to come back i think it will arise by then but it might be better if you called it comox too after you leave the ladder you'll be unreachable well if it seems necessary i'll send you a warning if you hear nothing you can go on.

Starting point is 06:56:47 Vane reflected hastily. Jesse, as she had told him, had opportunities of picking up valuable information about the business done in that city, and he had confidence in her. Thank you, he said. It will be the second service you have done me, and I appreciate it.

Starting point is 06:57:08 Anyway, I promised Nairn I'd call it Nainimo, if there was a wire from him. it's a bargain and now we'll talk of something else said jessie and she drew him into an exchange of bad nage until noticing that evelyn once or twice glanced at her with some astonishment she presently got rid of him she could understand evelyn's attitude and did not wish her friendliness with the offender to appear unnatural after what she had said about him at length the guests began to leave but most of them had gone when vain rose to take his departure his host and hostess went with him to the door but though he once or twice glanced round eagerly there was no sign of evelyn he lingered a few moments on the threshold after mrs nairn had given him a kindly send-off but nobody appeared in the lighted hall and after another word with nairn he went moodily down the steps to join jesse and carroll who were waiting for him below as the group walked down the garden path mrs nairn looked at her husband i do not know what has come over evelyn this night she remarked nairn followed jessie's retreating figure with distrustful eyes

Starting point is 06:58:40 well he said i'm thinking yon beseam may have had a hand in the thing then he turned and they went in a few minutes later jessie standing where the light of a big lamp streamed down upon her through the boughs of a leafless maple bade vain farewell at her brother's gate if my good wishes can bring you success it will most certainly be yours she said said, and there was something in her voice which faintly stirred the man who was feeling very sore. Thank you, he said, and she did not immediately withdraw the hand she had given him. He was grateful to her, and thought she looked unusually pretty with the sympathy shining in her eyes. You will not forget to wait at Nanamo and Comox, she went on. "'No,' said Vane. "'If you recall me, I'll come back at once.

Starting point is 06:59:45 If not, I'll go on with a lighter heart, knowing that I can safely stay away.' Jesse said nothing further, and he moved on. She felt that she had scored, and she knew when to stop. The man had given her his full confidence. "'End of Chapter 24. recording by roger malign chapter twenty five of the protector by harold binlott this libervox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline the protector by harold binloss chapter twenty five the intercepted letter the wind was fresh from the northwest when vain drove the sloop out through the narrows in the early dawn and saw a dim stretch of white-flecked sea in front of him him landlocked as they are by vancouver island the long roll of the pacific cannot enter those waters but they are now and then lashed into short tumbling seas sufficient to make their passage difficult for a craft no larger than the sloop

Starting point is 07:01:05 carol frowned when a comer struck the weather bough and a shower of stinging spray whipped his face right ahead again he remarked but as i suppose you're going on we'd better stretch straight across on the starboard tack we'll get smoother water along the island shore they let her go and vain sat at the helm hour after hour drenched with spray hammering her mercilessly into the frothy seas they could have done with a second reef down for the deck was swept and sluicing and most of the time the lee rail was buried deep and rushing foam but vane showed no intention of shortening sail nor did carroll who saw that his comrade was disturbed in temper suggest it resolute action had he knew a soothing effect on vane as a matter of fact the latter needed soothing of late he had he was making steady progress in evelyn's favor and now she had most unexplainably turned against him but rack his brain as he would he could not discover the reason that he was conscious of no offence only made the position more galling in the meanwhile the boat engrossed more and more of his attention it was a relief to drive her hard at some white-topped sea and watch her bows disappear in it with a thud while it somehow eased his mind to see the smashed up brine fly half the height of her drenched mainsail there was also satisfaction in feeling the strain on the tiller when swayed down by a fiercer gust she plunged through the comers with the froth swirling perisely close to the combing along her half-submerged deck

Starting point is 07:03:02 the day was cold the man who was compelled to sit almost still in a nipping wind was soon wet through but this in some curious way further tended to restore his accustomed optimism and good humor he had partly recovered both when as the sloop drove through the wider turmoil whipped up by a vicious squall there was a crash forward down helm shouted carroll the bob stays gone he scrambled towards the bowsprit which having lost its principal support swayed upward in peril of being torn away by the sagging jib vane who first rounded up the boat into the wind followed him and for several minutes they had a struggle with the madly flapping sail before they flung it bundled up into the well then they ran in the bowsprit and vane felt glad that although the craft had been rigged in the usual western fashion he had changed that by giving her a couple of head sails in place of one she'll trim with the stay-sail if we haul another reef down he said it cost them some labor but they were warmer afterwards and when they went on again vain glanced at the bowsprit we'll try to get a bit of galvanized steel in nanamo he said i can't risk another smash you had better be prepared for one if you mean to drive her as you have been doing carol flung back the saloon shuttle. You'd have swamped her in another hour or two. The cabin floorings are all awash.

Starting point is 07:04:46 Then hadn't you better pump her out? retorted Vane. After that, you can light the stove. It's beginning to dawn on me that it's a long while since I had anything to eat. By and by they made a bountiful, if somewhat primitive meal, in turn, sitting in the dripping saloon, which was partly filled with smoke, and Carol sighed for the comforts he had abandoned. He did not, however, mention his regrets, because he did not expect his comrade's sympathy. The craft, being under reduced sail, drove along more easily during the rest of the afternoon, and they ran into a little colliery town on the following day. There, Vane replaced the broken bobsday with a solid piece of steel, and then sat down.

Starting point is 07:05:34 down to write a letter while carroll stretched his cramped limbs ashore the letter was addressed to evelyn and he found it difficult to express himself as he desired the spoken word as he had discovered is now and then awkward to use but the written one is more evasive still and he shook his head ruefully over the production when he laid down his pen this was perhaps unnecessary for having grown calm he had framed a terse and forcible appeal to the girl's sense of justice which would in all probability have had its effect on her had she received it though he hardly realized it the few simple words were convincing having received no news from nearn or jesse they sailed again in a day or two bound for comox farther along the coast where there was a possibility of communications overtaking them but in the meanwhile matters which concerned them were moving forward in vancouver it was rather early one afternoon when jessie called upon a friend of hers and found her alone mrs bendel was a young and impulsive woman from one of the eastern cities and she had not made many friends in vancouver yet though her husband whom she had lately married was a man of some importance there i'm glad to see you she said greeting jessie eagerly it's a week since anybody has been in to talk to me and tom's away again jessie made herself comfortable in an easy-chair before she referred to one of her companion's remarks where has mr bendell gone now she asked into the bush to look at a mine he left this morning and it'll be a week before he's back then he's going across the cellkirks with that clavering man about some irrigation scheme

Starting point is 07:07:35 this suggested one or two questions which jesse desired to ask but she did not frame them immediately it must be dull for you she said sympathetically i don't mean to complain her companion informed her tom's reasonable the last time i said anything about being left alone he bought me the pair of ponies you're fortunate in several ways there are not a great many people who can make such presents but while everybody knows how your husband has been successful lately i'm a little surprised that he's able to go into clavering's irrigation scheme it's an expensive one but i understand they intend to confine it to a few which means that those interested will have to subscribe handsomely tom said her companion likes to have a number of different things in hand he told me it was wiser when i said i couldn't tell my friends back east what he really is because he seemed to be everything at once but your brother's interested in a good many things too isn't he i believe so answered jesse still i'm pretty sure he couldn't afford to join clavering and at the same time take up a big block of shares in mr vane's mine but tom isn't going to do the latter now jessie was almost startled this was valuable information which she could scarcely have expected to obtain so easily there was more she desired to ascertain but she had no intention to of making any obvious inquiries.

Starting point is 07:09:19 It's generally understood that Mr. Vane and your husband are on good terms, she said. You know him, don't you? I've met him at one or two places, and I like him, but when I mention him, Tom smiles. He says it's unfortunate Mr. Vane can only see one thing at once, and that the one which lies right in front of his eyes. For all that, I've heard him. him own that the man is likable then it's a pity he's unable to stand by him now i really believe tom was half sorry he couldn't do so last night he said something that suggested it i don't understand much about these matters but howitzin was here talking business until late jesse was satisfied her hostess's previous incautious admission had gone along

Starting point is 07:10:15 way but to this was added the significant information that Bendel was inclined to be sorry for vain the fact that he and howitzin had decided on some joint action after a long private discussion implied that there was trouble in store for the absent man unless he could be someone to deal with the crisis in person Jesse wondered if ne'er knew anything about the matter yet and decided that she would try to sound him. In the meanwhile, she led her companion away from the subject, and they discussed millinery and such matters until she took her departure. It was early in the evening when she reached Nairn's house, which she had thought it better to arrive at a little before he came home,

Starting point is 07:11:04 and was told that Mrs. Nairn and Miss Chisholm were out, but were expected back shortly. Evelyn had been by no means cordial to her since their last interview, and Mrs. Nairn's manner had been colder, but Jessie decided to wait, and for the second time that day fortune seemed to play into her hands. It was dark outside, but the entrance hall was brightly lighted, and she could see into it from where she sat. Highly trained domestics are generally scarce in the west, and the maid had left the door of the room open. By and by, there was a knock at the outer door, and a young lad came in with some letters in his hand. He explained to the maid that he had been to the post office and had brought his employer's private mail.

Starting point is 07:11:55 Then he withdrew, and the maid, who first laid the letters carelessly on a little table, also retired, banging a door behind her. The concussion shook. down the letters and several fluttering forward with the sudden draft fell near the threshold of the room jesse rose to replace them when she reached the door she stopped abruptly for she recognized the writing on one envelope there was no doubt it was from vain and she noticed that it was addressed to miss chisholm jessie picked it up and when she had laid the others upon the table stood with it in her hand has the man no pride she said half aloud then she looked about her listening greatly tempted and considering there was no sound in the house evelyn and mrs nairn were out and she was cut off from its other occupants by a closed door nobody would know that she had entered the hall and if the letter were subsequently missed it would be unlikely that any question regarding its disappearance would ever be asked if there was no response from evelyn vain she thought would not renew his appeal jessey had no doubt that the letter contained an appeal of some kind which might be found which might lead to a reconciliation and she knew that silence is often more potent than an outbreak of anger she had only to destroy the letter and the breach between these two people whom she desired to separate would widen automatically

Starting point is 07:13:37 there was little risk of detection but standing tensely still with set lips and her heart beating faster than usual she shrank from the decisive action she could still replace the letter and look for other means of bringing about what she wished she was self-willed and endowed with few troublesome principles but until she had poisoned evelyn's mind against vain she had never done anything flagrantly dishonorable then while she waited irresolute a fresh temptation seized her in the shape of a burning desire to learn what the man had to say he would reveal his feelings in the message and she could judge the strength of her rival's influence over him yet she hesitated with a half-instinctive recognition of the fact that the decision she must make was an eventful one she had transgressed grievously in one recent interview with evelyn but while she had no idea of making reparation she could at least stop short of a second offence she had perhaps not gone too far yet but if she ventured a little farther she might be driven on against her will and become inextricably involved in an entanglement of dishonorable treachery the issue hung in the balance the slightest thing would have turned the scale when she heard footsteps outside and the tinkle of a bell moving with a start she slipped back into the room just before the maid opened the adjacent door in another moment or two she thrust the envelope inside her dress and gathered her composure as mrs nairn and evelyn entered the hall the former approached the table and turned over the handful of letters two for you from england evelyn and one or two for me she said and as jessie noticed

Starting point is 07:15:40 flashed a quick glance at her companion. Nothing else, she added. I had thought Vane would maybe send a bit note from one of the island ports to say how he was getting on. Then Jesse rose to greet her hostess. The question was decided. It was too late to replace the letter now. She could not remember what they talked about

Starting point is 07:16:06 during the next half hour, but she took her part until Nairn came in and contrived to have a word with him before leaving. Mrs. Nairn had gone out to give some instructions about supper, and when Evelyn followed her, Jesse turned to Nairn. "'Mr. Vane could be at Comox now,' she said. Have you any idea of recalling him? Of course I know a little about the Clermont affairs.' Nairn glanced at her with thoughtful eyes. I'm not acquainted with any reason that would render such a course necessary. Evelyn reappeared shortly after this, and on the whole Jesse was glad of it,

Starting point is 07:16:50 but she excused herself from staying for the evening meal and walked home, thinking hard. It was needful that Vane should be recalled, and though he had written to Evelyn, she still meant to send him word. He would be grateful to her, and, indignant, and wounded as she was, she would not own herself beaten. She would warn the man, and afterwards, perhaps, allow Nairn to send him a second message. On reaching her brother's house, she went straight to her own room and tore open the envelope. The color receded from her face as she read, and, sinking into a chair, she sat still with hands clenched. The message was terse, but it was steeringly.

Starting point is 07:17:38 candid, and even where the man did not fully reveal his feelings in his words, she could read between the lines. There was no doubt that he had given his heart unreservedly into her rival's keeping. For a while she sat still, and then, stooping swiftly, seized the letter, which she had dropped, and rent it into fragments. Her eyes had grown hard and cruel. love of the only kind she was capable of had suddenly turned to hate. What was more, it was a hate that could be gratified. A little later, Horsefield came in, and though she was very composed now,

Starting point is 07:18:22 she noticed that he looked at her in an unusual manner, once or twice during the meal that followed. "'You make me feel you have something on your mind,' she said at length. that's a fact horsfield confessed the man was attached to and rather proud of his sister well horsefield leaned forward confidentially see here he said i've always imagined that you would go far and i'm anxious to see you do so i wouldn't like you to throw yourself away his sister could take a hint but there was information she was information she was desired, and the man was speaking with unusual reserve. "'Oh,' she said, with a slight show of impatience, "'you must be plainer.'

Starting point is 07:19:13 "'Then you have seen a good deal of vain, and, in case you have any hankering after his scalp, I think I'd better mention that there's reason to believe he won't be worth powder and shot before very long.' "'Ah,' said Jesse, with a calmness, which was difficult to assume, you may as well understand that there is nothing between vain and me i suppose you mean that howitzin and bendal are turning against him something like that horsfeel agreed in a tone which implied that her answer had afforded him relief the man has trouble in front of him jesse changed the subject what she had gathered from mrs bendel was fully confirmed but she had made up her mind

Starting point is 07:20:02 evelyn's lover might wait for the warning which could save him but he should wait in vain end of chapter twenty five recording by roger maline chapter twenty six of the protector by harold bindloss this librovoc's recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline the protector by harold bindloss chapter twenty six on the trail It was a long, wet sail up the coast with the wind ahead, and Carol was content when, on reaching Comox, Vane announced his intention of stopping there until the mail came in. Immediately after its arrival, Carol went ashore and came back empty-handed. "'Nothing,' he said. "'Personally, I'm pleased. Nairn could have advised us here if there had been any striking gregers. developments since we left the last place.

Starting point is 07:21:15 I wasn't expecting to hear from him, Bain replied. Carol read keen disappointment in his face and was not surprised, although the absence of any message meant that it was safe for them to go on with their project, which should have afforded his companion's satisfaction. They got off shortly afterwards and stood out to the northwards. Most of that day and the next two they drifted with the tides through narrowing waters, though now and then for a few hours they were wafted on by light and fickle winds. At length they crept into the inlet where they had landed on the previous voyage,

Starting point is 07:21:59 and on the morning after their arrival set out on the march. There was on this occasion reason to expect more rigorous weather, and the load each carried was an almost crushing. one. Where the trees were thinner, the ground was frozen hard, and even in the densest bush the undergrowth was white and stiff with frost, while, when they could see aloft through some chance opening, a forbidding gray sky hung over them. On approaching the rift in the hillside, which he had glanced at when they first passed that way, Vane stopped a moment. I looked into that place before, but it didn't seem worthwhile to follow it up, he said.

Starting point is 07:22:45 If you'll wait, I'll go a little farther along it. Though the air was nipping, Carol, who was breathless, was content to remain where he was, and he spent some time sitting upon a log before a faint shout reached him. Then he rose, and making his way up the hollow, found his comrade standing upon a upon a jutting ledge. I thought you were never coming, the latter remarked. Climb up, I've something to show you. Carol joined him with difficulty, and vein stretched out his hand.

Starting point is 07:23:23 Look yonder, he said. Carol looked and started. They stood in a rocky gateway with a river brawling down the chasm beneath them, but a valley opened up in front. filled with somber forest, it ran back almost straight between stupendous walls of hills. It answers Hartley's description, he said. After all, I don't think it's extraordinary we should have taken so much trouble to push on past the right place. How's that? Vane demanded.

Starting point is 07:24:01 Carroll sat down and filled his pipe. It's the natural result of possessing. a temperament like yours. Somehow you've got it firmly fixed into your mind that everything worth doing must be hard. I've generally found it so. I think, said Carol, grinning, you've generally made it so. There's a marked difference between the two. If any means of doing a thing looks easy, you at once conclude it can't be the right way, which is a mode of reasoning that is never convinced me. In my opinion, it's more sensible to try the easiest method first. As a rule, that leads to your having to fall back upon the other one, and a frontal attack

Starting point is 07:24:50 on a difficulties often quicker than considering how you can work round its flank. In this case, I'll own we have wasted a lot of time and taken a good deal of trouble that might have been avoided. But are you going to sit here and smoke? Until I finished my pipe, Carol answered. I expect we'll find tobacco, among other things, getting pretty scarce before this expedition ends. He carried out his intention, and they afterwards pushed on up the valley during the rest of the day. It grew more level as they proceeded, and in spite of the frost, which bound the feeding snows, there was a steady flow of water down the river,

Starting point is 07:25:38 which was free from rocky barriers. Vane, who now and then glanced at the latter attentively, stopped when dusk was drawing near, and fixed his gaze on the long ranks of trees that stretched away in front of him. Fredded spires of somber greenery lifted high above a colonnade of mighty trunks. Does anything in connection with this bush strike you? he asked.

Starting point is 07:26:07 It's stiffness, if that's what you mean, Carol suggested, smiling. These big conifers look as if they'd been carved. They're impressive, in a way, but they're too artificial. That's not what I mean, Vane informed him impatiently. to tell the truth said carol i didn't suppose it was anyway these trees aren't spruce they're red cedar the stuff they make the roofing shingles of precisely just now shingles are in good demand in the province and with the wooden town springing up on the prairie western millers can hardly send roofing materials across the rockies fast enough besides this i haven't struck a creek more adapted for running logs down and the last sharp drop to tidewater would give power for a mill i am only puzzled that none of the timberlea's prospectors has recorded the place

Starting point is 07:27:14 that's easy to understand said carol like you they'd no doubt first search the most difficult spots to get at they went on in another minute and pitched their light tent beside the creek when darkness fell by the by i thought you were disappointed when you got no mail at comox carol remarked at length feeling that he was making something of a venture i was said vain said Vane. This was not encouraging, but Carol persisted. That strange, because you're hearing nothing from Nairn left you free to go ahead,

Starting point is 07:27:57 which one would suppose was what you wanted. Vane, as it happened, was in a confidential mood, though usually averse from sharing his troubles, he felt he needed sympathy. I'd better confess,

Starting point is 07:28:14 I wrote Miss Chissel him a few lines from Nanamo. "'Ah,' said Carol, softly, "'and she didn't answer you. Now I couldn't well help noticing that you were rather in her bad graces that night at Nairns. No doubt you're acquainted with the reason? I'm not,' Vane replied.

Starting point is 07:28:38 "'That's just the trouble.' Carol reflected. He had an idea that Miss Horsefield was somehow connected with the matter, but this was a suspicion he could not mention. "'Well,' he said, as I pointed out, "'you're addicted to taking the hardest way. When we came up here before, you marched past this valley, chiefly because it was close at hand.

Starting point is 07:29:06 But I don't want to dwell on that. Has it occurred to you that you did something of the same kind when you were at the dean?' The way that was then offered you was east. easy. This is not the kind of subject one cares to talk about, but you ought to know I couldn't allow them to force Miss Chisholm upon me against her will. It was unthinkable. Besides, looking at it in the most cold-blooded manner, it would have been foolishness, for which we'd both have to pay afterwards. I'm not so sure of that, said Carol thoughtfully. There were the Sabine women, among other instances. Didn't they cut off their hair to make bow-strings for their abductors?

Starting point is 07:29:54 His companion made no answer, and Carol, deciding that he had ventured as far as was prudent, talked of something else until they crept into the little tent, and soon afterwards they fell asleep. They started with the first of the daylight next morning, but the timber grew denser and more choked with underbrush, as they proceeded, and for several days they wearily struggled through it and the clogging masses of tangled withered fern. Besides this, they were forced to clamber over fallen trunks when the ragged ends of the snapped-off branches caught their loads. Their shoulders ached, their boots were ripped, their feet were badly galled, but they held on stubbornly, plunging deeper into the mountains all the while soon after setting out one morning they climbed a clearer hillside to look about them

Starting point is 07:30:55 high up ahead the crest of the white range gleamed dazzingly against leaden cloud in a burst of sunshine below dark forest still wrapped in gloom filled all the valley and in between on the middle slopes a belt of timber touched by the light shone with a curious silvery luster though it was some distance off probably a day's journey allowing for the difficulty of the march vain gazed at it earnestly the trees were bare there was no doubt of that for the dwindling ranks diminished by the distance stood out against the snow-streaked rock like rows of rather thick needles set upright their straightness and the way they glistened suggested the resemblance ominous isn't it carroll said at length if this is the valley hartley came down, and everything points to that, we should be getting near the spruce. Vane's eyes grew set. Yes, he agreed. There has been a big fire up yonder, but whether it has swept the lower ground or not is more

Starting point is 07:32:17 than I can tell. We'll find out early tomorrow. End of Chapter 26. Recording by Roger Maline. of the Protector by Harold Binloss. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. The Protector by Harold Binloss.

Starting point is 07:32:49 Chapter 27. The end of the search. The two men made a hurried breakfast in the cold dawn, and not long afterwards they were struggling through thick timber, when the light suddenly grew a little clearer. Carol remarked upon the fact, and Vane's face hardened. We're either coming to a swamp, or the track the fire has swept is close in front, the latter said. A thicket lay before him, but he smashed savagely through the midst of it, the undergrowth snapping and crackling about his limbs.

Starting point is 07:33:29 Then there was a network of tangled branches to be crossed, and afterwards, reaching slightly clear, a ground, he broke into a run. Three or four minutes later he stopped, breathless and ragged, with his rent boots scarcely clinging to his feet, and Carol, who came up with him, gazed eagerly about. The living forest rose behind them, an almost unbroken wall, but ahead the trees ran up and detached and blackened spires. Their branches had vanished. Every clened, every clen cluster of somber green needles and delicate spray had gone the great rampikes as they were called looked like shafts of charcoal about their feet lay crumbling masses of calcined wood which grew more and more numerous where there were open spaces farther on and then the bare black columns ran on again up the valley and the steep hill benches on either hand it was a weird scene of desolation impressive to the point of being appalling in its suggestiveness of widespread ruin for the space of a minute the men gazed at it and then vain stretching out his hand pointed to a snow-sheeted hill

Starting point is 07:34:52 that's the peak hartley mentioned he said in a voice which was strangely incisive give me the axe he took it from his comrade and he took it from his comrade and he took it from his comrade and he said-he said in a voice which was strangely incisive he said in a voice which was strangely incisive give me the axe he took it from his comrade and striding forward attacked the nearest rampike twice the keen blade sank noiselessly overhead scattering a black dust in the frosty air and then there was a clear ringing thud after that vain smote on with a determined methodical swiftness until carroll grabbed his shoulder look out he cried it's going vane stepped back a few paces the trunk reeled and rushed downwards there was a deafening crash and they were enveloped in a cloud of gritty dust through the midst of it they dimly saw two more great trunks collapse and then somewhere up the valley a series of thundering shocks which both knew were not echoes broke out the sound jarred upon carroll's nerves as the thud of the feld rampike had not done but vane picked up one of the chips and handed it to him we have found hartley spruce he said carroll did not answer for a minute after all when defeat must be faced there was very little to be said though his companion's expression troubled him its grim stolidity was portentous i suppose he remarked at length nothing could be done with it vain pointed to the butt of the tree which showed a space of clean wood surrounded by a blackened rim

Starting point is 07:36:43 you can't make marketable pulp of charcoal and the price would have to run pretty high before it would pay for ripping most of the log away to get at the residue he answered harshly but there may be some unburned spruce farther on carol urged it's possible said vane i'm going to find out this was a logical determination but in spite of his recent suggestion carol realized that he would have abandoned the search there and then had the choice been left to him in which he did not think he was singular after all they had undergone the shock of the disappointment was severe he could have faced a failure to locate the spruce with some degree of philosophical calm but to find it at last useless was very much worse but he did not expect his companion to turn back yet before he desisted vain would seek for and examine every unburned tree what was more carroll who thought the search could serve no purpose would have to accompany him then the latter noticed that vane was waiting for him to speak and he decided that this was a situation which he had better endeavour to treat lightly i think i'll have a smoke he said i'm afraid any remarks i could make wouldn't do justice to the occasion language has its limits he sat down in the charred log and took out his pipe before he proceeded a brulee's not a nice place to wander about in when there's any wind and i've an idea there's some coming though it's quiet now

Starting point is 07:38:36 shut in as they were in the deep hollow with the towering snows above them it was impressively still and in conjunction with the sight of the black desolation the deep silence reacted upon carroll's nerves he longed to escape from it to make a noise though this if done unguardedly might bring more of the rampites thundering down he could hear tiny flakes of charcoal falling from them and though the fire had long gone out a faint and curious crackling as if the dead embers were stirring he wondered if this were some effect of the frost it struck him as disturbing and weird we'll work right around the brulee said vane then i suppose we had better head back for vancouver though we'll look at that cedar as we go down something might be made of it I'm not sure we've thrown our time away. You wouldn't be sure of such a thing, said Carol. It isn't in you. Vane disregarded this.

Starting point is 07:39:48 A new constructive policy was already springing up out of the wreck of his previous plans. There's a good mill site on the inlet, but, as it's a long way from the railroad, we'll have to determine whether it would be cheaper to tow the logs down, or split them up on the spot, he went on. I'll talk it over with Drayton.

Starting point is 07:40:12 He'll no doubt be useful, and there's no reason why he shouldn't earn his share. Do you believe the arrangement you made with Hartley applies to the cedar? Of course, said Vane. I don't know that the other parties could insist upon the original terms. We can discuss that later, but though it may be modified, the arrangement stands. His companion considered the matter dispassionately

Starting point is 07:40:42 as an abstract proposition. Here was a man who, in return for certain information, respecting the whereabouts of a marketable commodity, had undertaken to find and share it with his informant. The commodity had proved to be valueless, but during the search for it, he had incidentally, discovered something else was he under any obligation to share the latter with his informant's errors carroll decided that the question could only be answered in the negative but he had no intention of disputing his comrades point of view in the first place this would probably only make vain more determined or ruffle his temper and in the second carroll who felt very dubious about the prospect of working the

Starting point is 07:41:33 cedar profitably was neither a covetous nor an ambitious person which was perhaps on the whole fortunate for him vain as his partner realized was ambitious but in place of aspiring after wealth or social prominence the latter of which had indeed of late began to pall on him his was a different aim to rend the hidden minerals from the hills to turn forests into dressed lumber to make something grow. Dollars are often, though not always, made that way. But while he affected no contempt for them, in Vane's case, their acquisition was undoubtedly not the end. Fortunately, he was not altogether singular in this respect. When he next spoke, there was, however, no hint of altruistic sentiment in his curt inquiry.

Starting point is 07:42:33 Are you going to sit there until you freeze? Carol got up, and they spent the rest of the day plotting through the brulee, with the result that when darkness fell, Vane had abandoned all idea of working the spruce. Next morning they set out for the inlet, and one afternoon during the journey they came upon several fallen logs lying athwart each other, with their branches spread in a horrible town, between. Vane proceeded to walk along one log, which was tilted up several yards above the ground,

Starting point is 07:43:12 balancing himself carefully upon the rounded surface, and Carol followed until the end of a broken branch, which he evidently had not noticed, caught in the leader's clothes. Next moment there was a sharp snapping, and Vane plunged down into the tangle beneath, while Carol stood still and laughed. It was not an uncommon accident. Vane, however, did not reappear, nor was there any movement among the half-rotten boughs and withered sprays, and Carol, moving forward hastily, looked down into the hole.

Starting point is 07:43:52 He was disagreeably surprised to see his comrade lying, rather white in face upon his side. I'm afraid you'll have to chop me out, he said, and his voice was hoarse. Get to work. I can't move my leg. Moving farther along the log, Carol dropped to the ground, which was less encumbered there, and spent the next quarter of an hour hewing a passage to his comrade. Then, as he stood beside him, hot and panting, Vane looked up. "'It's my lower leg, the left,' he said.

Starting point is 07:44:34 "'Bones broken. I felt it snap.' Carol turned from him for a moment in consternation. Looking out between the branches, he could see the lonely hills tower, pitilessly white, against the blue of the frosty sky, and the rigid, furs, running back as far as his vision reached upon their lower slopes. There was no touch of life in all the picture. Everything was silent and motionless, and its desolation came near to appalling him. When he looked round again, Vane smiled wryly.

Starting point is 07:45:13 If this had happened farther north, it would have been the end of me, he said. As it is, it's awkward. The word struck Carol as singularly inadequate, but he made an effort to gather his courage when his companion broke off with a groan of pain. "'It's lucky we help that doctor when he set Pete's leg at Bryant's Mill,' he said. "'Can you wait a few minutes?' Vane's face was beaded with damp now, but he tried to smile. "'It strikes me,' he answered. I'll have to wait a mighty long time.

Starting point is 07:45:54 Carol turned and left him. He was afraid to stand still and think, but action was a relief. It was some time before he returned with several strips of fabric cut from the tent curtain and the neatest splints he could extemporize from slabs of stripped off bark,

Starting point is 07:46:13 and the next half hour was a trying one to both of them. sometimes vain assisted him with suggestions once he reviled his clumsiness and sometimes he lay silent with his face awry and his lips tight set but at length it was done and carroll stood up breathing hard i'll fasten you on to a couple of skids and pull you out he said then i'll make camp he managed it with difficulty pitched the tent above vane whom he covered with their blankets and made a fire outside are you comfortable now he inquired vane looked up at him with a somewhat ghastly grin i suppose i'm about as comfortable as could be expected. Anyhow, I've got to get used to the thing. Six weeks is the shortest limit, isn't it? Carol confessed that he did not know, and presently Vane resumed. It's lucky that the winters aren't often very cold so near the coast. The temperature struck Carol as low enough, but he made no answer. To his disgust, he could think of no cheering, observance,

Starting point is 07:47:36 for there was no doubt that the situation was serious. They were cut off from the sloop by leagues of tangled forest, which a vigorous man would find it difficult to traverse, and it would be weeks before Vane could use his leg. No human assistance could be looked for, and they had only a small quantity of provisions left. Besides this, it would not be easy to keep the sufferer warm in rigorous weather. i'll make supper you'll feel better afterwards he said at length then don't be too liberal vain warned him the latter fell into a restless doze after the meal and it was dark when he opened his eyes again

Starting point is 07:48:25 i can't sleep any more and we may as well talk there are things to be arranged he said in the first place as soon as i feel a little easier you'll have to sail across to comox and hire some men to pack me out when you've sent them off you'll make for vancouver and get a timber license and find out how matters are going on that said carroll firmly is out of the question. Nairn can look after our mining interests. He's a capable man. And if the thing's too much for him, they can go to smash. Besides, they won't give you a timber license without full particulars of area and limits.

Starting point is 07:49:13 And we've blazed no boundaries. Anyhow, I'm staying right here. Vane began to protest, but Carol raised his hand. arguments not conducive to recovery. You're on your back, unfortunately, and I'll give way to you, as usual, as soon as you're on your feet again, but not before. I'd better point out that we'll both be hungry by then.

Starting point is 07:49:41 The provisions won't last long. Then I'll look for a deer as soon as I think you can be left, and now we'll try to talk of something more amusing. can you see anything humorous in the situation i can't carol confessed still there may be something of that description which i haven't noticed yet by the way the last time we were at nairns i happened to cross the room near where you and miss horsefield were sitting and i heard her ask you to wait for something at nainamo or comox i thought it curious she told me to wait so she could send me word to come back if it was needful ah said carol i won't ask why she was willing to do so it concerns you more than me but i fancy that as regards your interests in the clermont a warning from her would be worth as much as one from nairn that is if she could be depended on have you any doubt upon the subject don't get angry perhaps i've talked too much we have to think of your injury

Starting point is 07:51:02 i'm not likely to forget it vain informed him but i dare say you're right in one respect as an amusing companion you're a dead failure and talking isn't as easy as i imagined he lay silent afterwards and though he had disclaimed any desire for sleep worn by the march and pain as he was his eyes presently closed carol however sat long awake and afterwards admitted that he felt badly afraid deer are by no means numerous in some parts of the bush they had not seen one during the journey and though there was a little food left on board her it was a long way to the sloop once or twice for no obvious reason he drew aside the tent flap and looked out the sky was cloudless and darkly blue, and a sickle moon gleamed in it, keen and clear with frost. Below, the hills were washed in silver, majestic, but utterly cheerless, and lower still the serrated tops of the rigid firs cut against the dreary whiteness. After each glimpse of them, Carol drew his blanket tighter round him with a shiver.

Starting point is 07:52:27 very shortly when the little flour and pork were gone and their few cartridges had been expended he would be reduced to the condition of primitive man cut off from all other resources he must then rest what means of subsistence he could from the snowy wilderness by brute strength and cunning and such instruments as he could make with his unassisted hands except that an axe of pennsylvania steel was better than a stone one civilization has its compensations and carol longed for a few more of them that night on rising next morning he found the frost keener and he spent the day and a number of those that followed in growing anxiety which was only temporarily lessened when he once succeeded in killing a deer there was almost a dearth of animal life in the lonely valley sometimes at first vain was feverish often he was irritable and the recollection of the three or four weeks he spent with him afterwards haunted carol like a nightmare at last when he had spent several days in vain searched for a deer and the provisions were almost exhausted he and his companion held a council of emergency there's no use in arguing vain declared you'll rig me a shelter of green boughs outside the tent and close to the fire i can move from the waist upwards and if it's necessary drag myself with my hands then you can chop enough cord wood to last a while cook my share of the eatables and leave me while you go down to the sloop

Starting point is 07:54:20 there's half a bag of flour and a few other things i'd be uncommonly glad of on board her carol expostulated but it was evident that his companion was right and next morning he started for the inlet taking with him the smallest possible portion of their provisions so long as he had enough to keep him from fainting on the way it was all he required because he could renew his stores on board the boat. The weather broke during the march, driving snow followed him down the valley, and by and by gave place to bitter rain. The withered underbrush was saturated, the soil was soddened with melting snow, and after the first scanty meal or two, he dare risk no delay. He felt himself flagging from insufficient food, and it was obvious that he must reach the sloop before he broke down. He had tobacco, but that failed to stay the gnawing pains, and before the march was done, he was on the verge of exhaustion, forcing himself onward,

Starting point is 07:55:35 drenched and grim of face, scarcely able to keep upon his bleeding feet. It was falling dusk and blowing fresh when he limped down the beach, and with the last effort launched the light dingy, and pulled off to the sloop she rode rather deep in the water but that did not trouble him most wooden craft leak more or less and it was a considerable time since he had pumped her out clambering wearily on board he made the dingy fast and then stood still a moment or two looking about him with his hand on the cabin side thin flakes of snow drifted past him the firs were rustling eerily ashore and ragged wisps of cloud drove by low down above their tops little frothy ripples flecked the darkening water with streaks of white and splashed angrily against the boughs of the craft the prospect was oppressively dreary and the worn-out man was glad that he was at last in shelter and could snatch a few hours rest thrusting back the slide he stepped below and lighted the lamp the brightening glow showed him that the boat starboard side was wet high up and though there was a good deal of water in her this puzzled him until an explanation suggested itself they had moored the craft carefully but he supposed she must have dragged her anchor or kedge and swung in near enough the shore to ground towards low tide

Starting point is 07:57:19 then as the tide left her she would fall over on her starboard bilge because they had lashed the heavy boom down on that side and the water in her would cover the depressed portion of her interior this reasoning was probably correct but he did not foresee the result until after lighting the stove and putting on the kettle he opened the provision locker which was to starboard then he saw with a shock of dismay that the stock of food they had counted on was ruined the periodically submerged flour bag had rotted and burst and most of its contents had run out into the water as the boat righted with the rising tide the prepared cereals purchased to save cooking had turned to moldy pulp and the few other stores were in much the same condition there were only two sound cans of beef and a few ounces of unspoiled tea in a canister carroll's courage failed him as he realized it but he felt that he must eat and sleep before he could grapple with the situation. He would allow himself a meal and a few hours rest, and crawling out while the kettle boiled, he shortened in the cable and plied the pump. Then he went below and feasted on preserved beef and tea, gauging the size of each slice with anxious care until he reluctantly laid the can

Starting point is 07:58:56 aside. After that he filled his pipe, and stretching out his aching limbs on the the port locker, which was comparatively dry, soon sank into heavy sleep. End of Chapter 27. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 28 of The Protector by Harold Binloss. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. The Protector by Harold Binloss.

Starting point is 07:59:37 Chapter 28. Carol seeks help. carol slept for several hours before he awakened and sat up on the locker shivering he had left the hatch slightly open and a confused uproar reached him from outside the wail of wind-tossed trees the furious splash of ripples against the boughs and the drumming of the haliards upon the mast there was no doubt that it was blowing hard but the wind was off the land and the sloop in shelter filling his pipe he set himself to think and promptly decided that it would have been better had he gone down to the sloop in the beginning before the provisions had been spoiled instead of in the end reluctance to leave his helpless companion had mainly prevented him from doing this but he had also been encouraged by the possibility of obtaining a deer now and then it was clear that he had made a mistake in remaining but it was not the first time he had done so and the point was unimportant the burning question was what must he do now it would obviously be useless to go back with rations that would barely suffice for the march vane still had food enough to keep life in one man for a little while on the other hand it would not be a long sail to comox with a strong northerly wind and if the sloop would face the sea that was running he might return with assistance before his comrade's scanty store was exhausted

Starting point is 08:01:18 getting out the mildewed chart he laid off his course carefully trimmed and lighted the binnacle lamp and going up on deck hauled in the kedge anchor he could not break the main one out though he worked savagely with a tackle and deciding to slip it he managed to lash three reefs in the mainsail and hoist it with the peak left down then he sat down to gather breath for the work had been cruelly heavy before he let the cable run and hoisted the jib she paid off when he put up his helm and the black loom of trees ashore vanished he thought he could find his way out of the inlet but he only knew that he had done so when the angry ripples that splashed about the boat suddenly changed to confused tumbling comers they foamed up in swift succession on her quarter but he fancied she would withstand their onslaught so long as he could prevent her from screwing up to windward when she lifted it would need constant care and if he failed the neckscomber would no doubt break on board his task was one that would have taxed the vigilance of a strong well-fed man and carroll had already nearly reached the limit of his powers his case however was by no means an unusual one the cost of the subjugation of the wilderness is the endurance of hunger and thirst cold and crushing fatigue and somebody pays to the uttermost farthing carol sitting drenched strung up and hungry at the helm was merely playing his part in the struggle though he found it cruelly hard

Starting point is 08:03:10 it was pitch dark but he must gaze ahead and guess the track of the pursuing seas by the angle of the spouting white ridge abreast of the weather shrouds he had a compass but when his course did not coincide with safety it must be disregarded the one essential thing was to keep the sloop on top and to do so he had frequently to let her fall off dead before the mad white comers that leaped out of the one essential thing was to keep the sloop on top and to do so he had frequently to let her fall off dead before the mad white comers that leaped out out of the dark. By and by, his arms began to ache from the strain of the tiller, and his wet fingers grew stiff and claw-like. The nervous strain was also telling, but that could not be helped. He must keep the craft before the sea or go down with her. There was one consolation. She was traveling at a furious speed. At length morning broke over a leaden sea, that was seamed with white, and he glanced longer at the meat-can on the locker near his feet. He could reach it by stooping, though he dare not leave the helm,

Starting point is 08:04:22 but he determined to wait until noon before he broke his fast again. It could not be very far to Comox, but the wind might drop. Then he began to wonder how he had escaped the perils of the night. He had come down what was really a wide, and not quite straight sound, passing several unlighted islands. Before starting, he had decided that he would run so long and then change his course a point or two, but he could not be sure that he had done so. He had a hazy recollection of seeing surf, and once a faint loom of land, but he supposed he had avoided it half-consciously, or that chance had favored him.

Starting point is 08:05:09 In the afternoon, the wind changed a little, backing to the northwest. The sky grew brighter, and he made out shadowy land over his starboard quarter. By and by he recognized it with a start. It was the high ridge north of Comox, and as he had run farther than he had expected, he must try to hoist the peak of the mainsail and haul her on the wind there was danger in rounding her up but it must be faced though a sea foamed across her as he put down his helm another followed but he scrambled forward and struggled desperately to hoist the downhanging gaff the halliards were swollen he could scarcely keep his footing on the deluged deck that slanted steeply under him he thought he could have mastered the banging canvas had he been fresh but worn out as he was drenched with spray and buffeted by the shattered tops of the seas the task was beyond his power giving it up he staggered back breathless and almost nerveless to the helm he could not reach comox which laid a windward with the sail half set but it was only seventy miles or there about to Nanamo and not very much farther to Vancouver.

Starting point is 08:06:36 The breeze would be fair to either, and he could charter a launch or tug for the return journey. Letting her go before the sea again, he ate some canned meat ravenously, tearing it with one hand. Shortly afterwards, a gray mass rose out of the water to port, and he supposed it was Tecada. There were mines on the island. and he might be able to engage a rescue party. But he reflected that he could not beat the sloop back to windward unless the breeze fell, which it showed no signs of doing. It would be more prudent to go on to Vancouver,

Starting point is 08:07:17 where he would be sure of getting a steamer, but he closed with the Long Island a little, and dusk was falling when he made out a boat in the partial shelter of a bite. Standing in closer, he saw that the long island a little, he saw that there were two men in the craft and driving down upon her he backed the jib and ran alongside there was a crash as he struck the boat and an astonished and angry man clutched the sloop's rail now what in the name of thunder he began and stopped struck by carroll's ragged appearance can you take this sloop to vancouver the latter inquired i could if it was worth while was the cautious answer it will be a mighty wet run seven dollars a day until your home again said carroll a bonus if you can sail her with the whole reefed mainsail up i won't stick at a few dollars can your partner pull that boat ashore alone if not cast her adrift i'll buy her he'll make the beach

Starting point is 08:08:29 said the other, jumping on board. Seven dollars sounds a square deal. I won't put the screw on you. Then help me hoist the peak, Carol bade him. After that you can take the helm. I'm played out. The man, who shouted something to his companion, seized the halliards,

Starting point is 08:08:51 and the sloop drove on again furiously, with an increased spread of canvas, while Carol stood holding on by the combing while the boat dropped back. "'I'll leave you to it,' he informed the new helmsman. "'It's twenty-four hours since I've had more than a bite or two of food "'and some weeks since I had a decent meal.' "'You look like it,' the other informed him.

Starting point is 08:09:18 "'Been up against it somewhere?' Carol, who did not reply, crawled below and managed to light the stove and make a kettle full of tea. He drank a good deal of it, and nearly emptied the remaining small meat can, which he presently held out for his companion's inspection, standing beneath the hatch. There's some tea left, but this is all there is to eat on board the craft, he said. You're hired to take her to Vancouver, and you'd better get there as soon as you can. The bronzed helmsman nodded.

Starting point is 08:09:55 She won't be long on the way if the mast holds up. Have you seen any papers lately? Carol inquired. I've been up in the bush, and I'm interested in the Claremont mine. It looked as if there might be some changes in the company's prospects when I went away. I noticed a bit about it and the colonist a while back, was the answer. They sold out to another concern, or amalgamated with it, i don't remember which carroll was not astonished the news which implied that he must be prepared to face a more or less serious financial reserve struck him as a fitting climax to his misadventures

Starting point is 08:10:41 it's pretty much what i expected and i'm going to sleep he said i don't want to be wakened before it's necessary he crawled below and he had hardly stretched himself out upon the locker before his eyes closed when he opened them feeling more like his usual self he saw that the sun was above the horizon and recognized by the boat's motion that the wind had fallen going out he found her driving through the water under her whole mainsail and the helmsman sitting stolidly at the tiller the man stretched out a hand and pointed to the hazy hills to port we'll fetch the narrow some time before noon he said if you'll take the helm i guess we'll have that meat for breakfast his prediction proved correct for carroll reached his hotel about midday and hastily changing his clothes set off to call on nairn he had not recovered his mental equipoise and in spite of his long sound sleep he was still badly jaded physically on arriving at the house he was shown into a room where mrs nairn and her husband were sitting with evelyn waiting for the midday meal the elder lady rose with a start of astonishment when he walked in man she said what's wrong you're looking like a ghost it was not an inapt description carroll's face was worn and haggard and his clothes hung slack on him i've been feeling rather unsubstantial of late as the result of a restricted diet he answered with a smile

Starting point is 08:12:34 and sat down in the nearest chair while ne'ern regarded him with carefully suppressed curiosity you're o'er langin coming he remarked where did you leave your partner carol sat silent a moment or two his eyes fixed on evelyn it was evident that his sudden appearance unaccompanied by vain which he felt had been undesirably dramatic had alarmed her at first he felt compassionate and then he was suddenly possessed by hot indignation this girl with her narrow prudish notions and cold-blooded nature had presumed to condemn his comrade unheard for an imaginary offence the thing was at once ludicrous and intolerable if his news brought her dismay let her suffer his nerves it must be remembered were not in their normal condition. Yes, he said in answer to his host's first remark, I've gathered that we have failed to save the situation, but I don't know exactly what has happened.

Starting point is 08:13:47 You had better tell me. Mrs. Nairn made a sign of protest, but her husband glanced at her, restrainingly. You will hear his news in good time, he informed her, and turned to Carol. In a few words, the capital was not subscribed. It leaked out that the oar was running poor, and we held an emergency meeting. With vain away, I could put no confidence into the shareholders.

Starting point is 08:14:17 They were anxious to get from under, and Horsfield brought forward an amalgamation scheme. His friends would take the property over on their valuation. I and a few others were outvoted. The scheme went through, and when the announcement steadied the stock, which had been tumbling down, I exercised the authority given me and sold your shares and veins at considerably less than their face value. You can have particulars later. What I have to ask now is, where is vain? The man's voice grew sharp.

Starting point is 08:14:57 The question was flung out like an accusation, but, still looked at evelyn he felt very bitter against her i left him in the bush with no more than a few days provisions and a broken leg he said then in spite of evelyn's efforts to retain her composure her face blanched and carol's anger vanished because the truth was clear vain had triumphed through disaster his peril and ruin had swept his offence away. The girl who had condemned him in his prosperity would not turn away from him in misfortune. In the meanwhile, the others sat silent, gazing at the bearer of evil news until he spoke again. I want a tug to take me back at once, if she can be got, he said. I'll pick up a few men along the waterfront. Nearn rose and went out of the room. tinkle of a telephone bell reached those who remained and he came back a minute or two later i've sent whitney round he announced he'll come across if there's a boat to be had and now you looks as if you needed lunch

Starting point is 08:16:18 it's several weeks since i had one said carroll with a smile the meal was brought in but for a while he talked as well as eight relating his adventures in somewhat disjointed fragments while the rest sat listening he was also pleased to notice something which suggested returning confidence in him in evelyn's intent eyes as the tale proceeded when at last he had made the matter clear he added if i keep you waiting you'll excuse me his hostess watched his subsequent efforts with candid approval and looking up once or twice he saw sympathy in the girl's face instead of the astonishment or disgust he had half expected. When he had finished, his hostess Rose and Carol stood up, but Nairn signed to him to resume his place. I'm thinking you'd better sit down a while and smoke, he said. Carol was glad to do so, and he and Nairn conferred together

Starting point is 08:17:28 until the latter was called to the telephone. you can have the broderick boat at noon to-morrow he said on his return that won't do carol objected heavily send whitney round again i must sail to-night he had some difficulty in getting out the words and when he rose his eyes were half closed walking unsteadily he crossed the room and sank into a big lounge i think he resumed if you don't mind i'll go to sleep nairn merely nodded and when after sitting silent a minute or two he went softly out the worn-out man was already wrapped in profound slumber as it happened nearn received another call by telephone and left in haste for his office without speaking to his wife with the result that the latter and evelyn returning to the room by and by in search of carol found him lying still the elder lady raised her hand in warning as she bent over the sleeper and then taking up a light rug spread it gently over him evelyn too was stirred to sudden pity for the man's attitude was eloquent of exhaustion they withdrew gently and had reached the corridor when mrs nairn turned to the girl when he first came in you blamed that man for deserting his partner she said evelyn confessed it and her hostess smiled meaningly are you not rather ready to blame i'm afraid i am

Starting point is 08:19:19 said Evelyn, with the color creeping into her face, as she remembered an instance in which she had condemned another person hastily. "'In this case,' said her companion, "'you were very foolish.' "'The man came down for help, and if he could not get it, he would go back his loan. If all the way was barred with ice, he must walk on his naked feet. love of woman strong and the fear of death is keen but you will find now and then a faith between man and man that neither would sever she paused and looked at the girl fixedly as she asked what of him that could inspire it evelyn did not answer she had never seen her hostess in this mood and she was also stirred but the elder lady went on again the virtue of a gift lies in part but not altogether with the giver whilst it may be bestowed unworthily but i'm thinking it's not often

Starting point is 08:20:28 the bond that will drag carroll back to the north again to his death if it is needful has not been spun from nothing evelyn had no doubt that mrs nairn was right loyalty most often demanded a worthy object to tender service to, it sprang from implicit confidence, mutual respect, and strong appreciation. It was not without a reason Vane had inspired it in his comrade's breast, and this was the man she had condemned. The latter fact, however, was by comparison a very minor trouble. Vane was lying helpless and alone in the snowy wilderness in peril of his life. life, and she knew that she loved him. She realized now, when it might be too late, that had he in reality been stained with dishonor, she could have forgiven him. Indeed, it had only been by a painful effort she had maintained some show of composure, since Carol had brought the disastrous

Starting point is 08:21:38 news, and she felt she could not keep it up much longer. What she said to Mrs. Nairn, she could not remember, but, escaping from her, she retired to her own room, to lie still and grapple with an agony of fear and contrition. It was two hours later when she went down and found Carol, who still looked drowsy, about to go out. His hostess had left him for a moment in the hall, and, meeting the girl's eyes, he smiled at her reassuringly. don't be anxious i'll bring him back he said then mrs nairn appeared and in a few moments carol went out without another word to evelyn she did not ask herself why he had taken it for granted that she would be anxious she was beyond any petty regard for appearances it was consoling to remember that he was veins tried comrade one of the men who kept their word end of chapter twenty eight recording by roger maline chapter twenty nine of the protector by harold bindloss

Starting point is 08:23:00 this libervox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline the protector by harold bindloss chapter twenty nine jesse's contrition after leaving mrs nairn carroll walked towards horsefield's residence in a thoughtful mood because he felt it incumbent upon him to play a part he was not particularly fitted for in a somewhat delicate matter uncongenial as his task was it was one which could not be left to vain who was even less to be trusted with the handling of such affairs and carol had resolved as he would have described it to straighten out things his partner had somehow offended evelyn and though she was now disposed to forgive him the recollection of his suppositious inquity might afterwards rankle in her mind though vain was innocent of any conduct she could with reason take exception to it was first of all needful to ascertain the exact nature of the charge against him carol who had for several reasons preferred not to press this question upon Evelyn, had a strong suspicion that Jesse Horsfield was at the bottom of the trouble. There was also a clue to follow. Vane had paid the rent of Celia Hartley's shack, and he wondered if Jesse could buy any means have heard of it. If she had done so,

Starting point is 08:24:34 the matter would be simplified, because he had a profound distrust of her. A recent action of hers was, he thought, sufficient to justify this attitude, he found her at home reclining gracefully in an easy-chair in her drawing-room and though she did not seem astonished to see him he fancied her expression hinted at suppressed concern i heard you had arrived alone and i intended to come over and make inquiries as soon as i thought mrs nairn would be at liberty she informed him carroll had found the direct attack effective in evelyn's case and he determined to try it again then he began it says a good deal for your courage he had never doubted that she possessed the latter quality and she displayed it now so she said calmly you have come as an enemy not exactly it didn't seem worth while though there's no doubt you betrayed us vain waited for the warning you could have sent so far as it concerns our ruined interest in the claremont the things done and can't be mended we'll let that question go the most important point is that if you had recalled us as you promised vain would now be safe and sound this shot told the girl's face became less imperturbable there was eagerness and a suggestion of fear in it then has any accident happened to him she asked sharply

Starting point is 08:26:16 he's lying in the bush helpless in imminent peril of starvation go on said the girl with signs of strain clearly perceptible in her voice carroll was brief but he made her understand the position after which she turned upon him imperiously then why are you wasting your time here it's a reasonable question i can't get a tug to take me back until new tomorrow. Ah, said Jesse, and added, you will excuse me for a minute. She left him, astonished. He had not expected her to take him at a disadvantage, as she had done with her previous thrust,

Starting point is 08:27:03 and now he did not think she had slipped away to hide her feelings. That did not seem necessary in Jesse's case, though he believed she was more or less disturbed. She came back, present. looking calm and sat down again my brother will be here in a quarter of an hour she informed him things are rather slack and he half promised to take me for a drive i have called him up through the telephone carol did not see how this bore upon the subject of their conversation but he left her to take the lead did vane tell you i had promised to warn him she asked to do him justice he let it out before he quite realized what he was saying i'd better own that i partly surprised him into giving me the information the expedient seems a favorite one with you said jesse i suppose no news of what has happened here can have reached him none if it's any consolation he has still an unshaken confidence in you

Starting point is 08:28:14 carol assured her with blunt bitterness the girl showed faint signs of confusion but she sat silent for the next few moments and during them it flashed upon her companion with illuminating light that he had heard celia hartley say miss horsefield had found her orders for millinery this confirmed his previous suspicion that jessey had discovered who had paid the rent of celia's shack and that she had with deliberate malice informed evelyn distorting her account so that it would tell against vain there were breaks in the chain of reasoning which led him to this conclusion but he did not think jesse would shrink from such a course and he determined to try a chance shot veins inclined to be trustful and his rash generosity has once or twice got him into trouble he remarked and went on as if an explanation were needed it's miss hartley's case i'm thinking about just now i've an idea he asked you to look after her am i right as soon as he had spoken he knew he had hit the mark jessie did not openly betray herself but there are not many people who can remain absolutely unmoved when unexpectedly asked a startling question besides the man was observant and had strung up all his faculties for the encounter he saw one of her hands tightened on the arm of her chair and a hint of uneasiness in her eyes and it sufficed him yes she said i recommended her to some of my friends i understand she is getting along satisfactorily carol felt compelled to admire her manner

Starting point is 08:30:09 he believed she loved his comrade and had nevertheless tried to ruin him in a fit of jealous rage she was now keenly regretting her success but though he thought she deserved to suffer she was bravely facing the trying situation it was one that was rife with dramatic possibilities and he was grateful to her for avoiding them you are going back to-morrow she said after a brief silence i suppose you will have to tell your partner what you have discovered here as soon as you reach him carol had not intended to spare her but now he felt almost compassionate and he had one grain of comfort to offer i must tell him that his shares in the clermont have been sacrificed i wonder if that is all you meant jessie met his inquiring gaze with something very like an appeal and then spread out her hands in a manner to indicate that she threw herself upon his mercy it is not all i meant she confessed then if it's any relief to you i'll confine myself to telling him that he has been deprived of his most valuable property i dare say the news will hit him hard enough but though he may afterwards discover other facts for himself on the whole i shouldn't consider it likely as i said he's confiding and slow to suspect he read genuine gratitude which he had hardly expected in the girl's face but he raised his hand and went on in the rather formal manner which he felt was the only safe one to assume i had however better mention that i am going to call upon miss hartley

Starting point is 08:32:02 after that i shall be uncommonly thankful to start back for the bush he paused and concluded with a sudden trace of humor i'll own that i feel more at home with the work that waits me there jessie made a little gesture which while it might have meant anything was somehow very expressive and just then there were footsteps outside next moment horsefield walked into the room so you're back he said yes said carroll shortly beaten at both ends there's no use in hiding it horsefield showed no sign of satisfaction and carol afterwards admitted that the man behaved very considerately well he said though you may be surprised to hear it i'm sorry unfortunately our interests clashed and i naturally looked after mine once upon a time i thought i could have worked hand in hand with vain but our ideas did not coincide and your partner is not the man to yield a point or listen to advice carroll was aware that horsefield had by no means which were far from honourable deprived him of a considerable portion of his possessions he had also betrayed his fellow shareholders in the clermont mine selling their interests doubtless for some benefit to himself to another company for all that carroll recognized that since he in vain were beaten as he had confessed recromations and reproaches would be useless as well as undignified he preferred to face defeat calmly

Starting point is 08:33:55 it's the fortune of war he replied what you say about vain is correct but although it is not a matter of much importance now it was impossible from the beginning that your views and his ever should agree too great a difference of temperament i dare say you're right vain measures things by a different standard minds perhaps more adapted to the market-place but-but a-one measures things by a different standard minds perhaps more adapted to the market-place but Where have you left him?" In the bush. Miss Horsfield will, no doubt, give you particulars. I've just told her the tale. She called me up at the office and asked me to come across at once. Will you excuse us for a few minutes?

Starting point is 08:34:45 They went out together, and Jesse, who came back alone, sat down and looked at Carol in a different manner. I suppose, she said, one could hardly expect you to think of either of us very leniently, but I must ask you to believe that I am sincerely distressed to hear of your partner's accident. This was a thing I could never have anticipated, but there are amends I can make. Every minute you can save is precious, isn't it? Carol agreed, and she resumed, then I can get you a tug.

Starting point is 08:35:24 My brother tells me the Atlands coming across from Victoria and should be here early this evening. He has gone back to the office to secure her for you, though she was fixed to go off for a log boom. Thank you, said Carol. It's a great service. Jesse hesitated. I think my brother would like to say a few words when he returns.

Starting point is 08:35:50 Can I, offer you some tea?" "'I think not,' said Carol, smiling. "'For one thing, if I sit still much longer, I shall, no doubt, go to sleep again, as I did at Nairns, which would be neither seemly nor convenient, if I'm to sail this evening. Besides, now we've arranged an armistice, I might be wiser not to put too much strain on it.'

Starting point is 08:36:18 "'An armistice?' i think that describes it carroll's manner grew significant the word implies a cessation of hostilities on certain terms jessie could take a hint and his meaning was clear unless she forced him to do so he would not betray her to his comrade who might never discover the part she had played but he had given her a warning which might be bluntly rendered as hands off there was only one person open to her to respect it she had brought down the man she loved but it was clear that he was not for her and now the unreasoning fury which had driven her to strike had passed, she was troubled with contrition. There was nothing left except to retire from the field, and it was better to do so gracefully. For all that, there were signs of strain in her expression as she capitulated. Well, she said, I have given you a proof that you have nothing to fear from me. My brother is the only man in Vancouver who could have got you that tug for this evening.

Starting point is 08:37:37 i understand the sawmill people are very much in need of the logs she was engaged to tow she held out her hand and carol took it though he had not expected to part from her on friendly terms i owe you a deal for that he said and turned away his task however was only half complete when he left the house and the remaining portion was the more difficult but he meant to finish it he preferred to take life lightly he had trifled with it before disaster had driven him out into the wilds but there was resolution in the man and he could force himself to play in an unpleasant part when it was needful fortune also favored him as she often does those who follow the boldest course he had entered hasting street when he met kitty and celia the latter looked thin and somewhat pale but she was moving briskly and her face was eager when she shook hands with him we have been anxious about you there was no news she said is mr vane with you how have you got on we've found the spruce said carol it's not worth milling a forest fire has wiped most of it out but we struck some shingling s'n't some shingling cedar we may make something of. But where's Mr. Vane?

Starting point is 08:39:10 In the bush. I've a good deal to tell you about him, but we can't talk here. I wonder if we could find a quiet place in a restaurant, or if the park would be better. The park, said Kitty, decidedly. They reached it in due time, and Carol, who had refused to say anything about Vane on the way, found the girls a seat in a grove of giant firs and sat down opposite to them though it was winter the day as is often the case near vancouver was pleasantly mild

Starting point is 08:39:47 now he began my partner is a singularly unfortunate person in the first place the transfer of the clermont property which you have no doubt heard of means a serious loss to him though he is not ruined yet he talks of putting up a shingling mill in which drayton will be of service and if things turn out satisfactory you will be given an interest in it he added the last sentence as an experiment and was satisfied with the result never mind our interests cried kitty what about mr for the third time since his arrival carol made the strongest appeal he could to womanly pity drawing with a purpose of vivid picture of his comrade's peril and suffering nor was he disappointed for he saw consternation compassion and sympathy in the girl's faces. So far, the thing had been easy. But now he hesitated, and it was with difficulty he nerved himself

Starting point is 08:40:56 for what must follow. He has been beaten out of his stock in the mine. He's broken down in health and in danger. But, by comparison, that doesn't count for very much with him, he continued. He has another trouble, and though I'm afraid I'm giving things

Starting point is 08:41:16 away in mentioning it, if it could be got over, it would help him to face the future and set him on his feet again. Then he briefly recounted the story of Vane's regard for Evelyn, making the most of his sacrifice in withdrawing from the field, and again he realized that he had acted wisely. A love affair appealed to his listeners, and there was a romance in this one that heightened the effect of it. but miss chisholm can't mean to turn from him now said celia carroll looked at her meaningly no she turned from him before he sailed she heard something about him his companions appeared astonished but she couldn't have heard anything that anybody could mind kitty exclaimed indignantly he's not that kind of man it's a compliment said carol i think he deserves it at the same time he's a little rash and now and then a man's generosity is open to misconception in this case i don't think one could altogether blame miss chisholm

Starting point is 08:42:31 kitty glanced at him sharply and then at celia who at first looked puzzled and afterwards startled then the blood surged into kitty's cheeks Oh, she said, as if she were breathless, I was once afraid of something like this. You mean we're the cause of it? The course he followed was hateful to Carol, but the tangle could not be straightened without somebody's feelings being hurt, and it was his comrade he was most concerned about.

Starting point is 08:43:07 Yes, he said quietly, I believe you understand the situation. he saw the fire in kitty's eyes and that celia's face was also flushed but he did not think their anger was directed against him they knew the world they lived in and for that matter he could share their indignation he resented the fact that a little thing should bring such swift suspicion upon them he was however not required to face any disconcerting climax well said celia why did you tell us this i think you both oh vain something and you can do him a great favor now carol informed her kitty looked up at him don't ask me too much mr carroll i'm irish and i feel like killing somebody it's natural said carol with a sympathetic smile i've now and then felt much much the same thing. It's probably unavoidable in a world like this. However, I think you ought to call upon Miss Chisholm after I've gone, though you had better not mentioned that I sent you. You can say you

Starting point is 08:44:25 came for news of vain, and add anything you consider necessary. The girls looked at one another, and, at length, though it obviously cost her a struggle, Kitty said to Celia firmly, will have to go." Then she faced round towards Carol. "'If Miss Chisholm won't believe us, she'll be sorry we came.' Carol made her a slight inclination. "'She'll deserve it if she's not convinced. But it might be better if you didn't approach her in the mood you're in just now.' Kitty rose, signing to Celia, and he turned back with them towards the city,

Starting point is 08:45:08 feeling a certain constraint in their company and yet conscious of a strong relief it had grown dark when he returned to nairn's house where have you been his host inquired i had a clerk seeking you all around the city i cannot get you a boat before the morn carol saw that mrs nairn shared her husband's desire to learn how he had been occupied evelyn was also in the room there were one or two little matters that required attention and i managed to arrange them satisfactorily he said among other things i've got a tug and i expect a sail in an hour or two miss horsefield found me the vessel he noticed evelyn's interest and was rather pleased to see it if she were disposed to be jealous of jessie it could do no harm nairn however frowned i'm thinking it might have been better if you had not troubled jesse he commented i'm sorry i can't agree with you carol retorted the difference between this evening and noon to-morrow is a big consideration well said nairn resignedly i cannot deny that carol changed the subject but sometimes later mrs nairn sat down near him in the temporary absence of her husband and evelyn we will not be disturbed for two or three minutes she said you answered alec like a scotsman before supper and put him off the track though that's not so easy done you're too complimentary he declared the genuine caledonian caution can't be acquired by outsiders it's a gift

Starting point is 08:47:08 i'll not practice it now said the lady you're not so proud of yourself for nothing what have you been after carroll crossed his finger-tips and looked at her over them since you ask the question i may say this if miss chishol has two lady visitors during the next few days you might make sure she sees them what are their names miss hartley the daughter of the prospector who sent vain off to look for the timber miss blake who as you have probably heard once came down the west coast with him in company with an elderly lady and myself mrs nairn started then she looked thoughtful and finally broke into a smile of open appreciation now she said i understand i did not think of you you're not far from a genius thanks said carol modestly i believe i succeeded better than i could have expected and perhaps than i deserved then they were interrupted for nairn walked hastily into the room there's one of the atlans deck hands below he announced he's come on here from horsefields to say the boat's ready with a full head of steel seam up, and the packers you hired are waiting on the wharf." Carol rose and became in a moment intent and eager.

Starting point is 08:48:46 "'Tell him I'll be down almost as soon as he is,' he said. "'You'll have to excuse me.' Two minutes later he left the house, and fervent good wishes followed him from the party on the stoop. He did not stop to acknowledge them, but shortly afterwards the blast of a whistle came ringing across the roofs from beside the waterfront. End of Chapter 29. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 30 of The Protector by Harold Binloss.

Starting point is 08:49:27 This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. The Protector by Harold Binloss. Chapter 30. Convincing Testimony One afternoon, three or four of four. four days after Carol had sailed, Evelyn sat alone in Mrs. Nairn's drawing-room, a prey to confused regrets and keen anxiety. She had recovered from the first shock

Starting point is 08:49:58 caused by Carol's news, but though she could face the situation more calmly, she could find no comfort anywhere. Vane was lying helpless and famishing in the frost-bound wilderness. she knew she loved the man indeed she had really known it for some time and it was that which had made jessie's revelation so bitter now fastidious in thought and feeling as she was she wondered if she had been too hard upon him it was becoming more and more difficult to believe that he could have justified her disgust and anger but this was not what troubled her most she had sent him away with cold disfavor he was threatened by many dangers it was horrible to think of what might befall him before assistants arrived and yet she could not drive the haunting dread out of her mind she was in this mood when a maid announced that two visitors wished to see her and when they were shown in she found it difficult to hide her astonishment as she recognized in kitty the very attractive girl she she had once seen in vain's company it was this which prompted her to assume a chilling manner though she asked her guests to be seated neither of them appeared altogether at her ease and there was indeed a rather ominous sparkle in kitty's blue eyes the latter began the conversation mr carroll was in town not long ago she said have you had any news of him since he said

Starting point is 08:51:41 sailed. Evlin did not know what to make of the question, and she answered coldly, No, we do not expect any word for some time. I'm sorry, said Kitty. We're anxious about Mr. Vane. On the surface, the announcement appeared significant, but the girl's boldness in coming to her for news was unexplainable to Evelyn. Puzzled as she was, her attitude became more discouraging. "'You know him, then?' she said. Something in her tone made Celia's cheeks burn, and she drew herself up. "'Yes,' she said. We know him, both of us. I guess it's astonishing to you,

Starting point is 08:52:30 but I met him first when he was poor, and getting rich hasn't spoiled, Mr. Vane. Evelyn was once more puzzled. The girl's manner savored less of assurance than of wholesome pride which had been injured. Kitty, however, broke in. We had no cards to send in. But I'm Kathleen Blake, and this is Celia Hartley. It was her father sent Mr. Vane off to look for the spruce. "'Ah,' said Evelyn, a little more gently, addressing Celia, "'I understand your father died.' Kitty flashed a commanding glance at Celia, who spoke, "'Yes, that is correct.

Starting point is 08:53:17 He left me ill and worn out, without a dollar, and I don't know what I should have done if Mr. Vane hadn't insisted on giving Drayton a little money for me, on account,' he said, because I was a partner in the venture. Then Miss Horsfield got me some work to do at home. among her friends mr vane must have asked her to it would be like him evelyn sat silent for a few moments celia had given her a good deal of information in answer to a very simple remark but she was most impressed by the statement that jessie who had prejudiced her against vane had helped the girl at his request it was difficult to believe she would have done so had there been any foundation for her insinuations if celia spoke the truth and evelyn somehow felt this was the case the whole thing was extraordinary

Starting point is 08:54:17 now said celia it's no way surprising i'm grateful to mr vane and anxious to hear if mr carroll has reached him this was spoken with a hint of defiance but the girl's voice changed i am anxious it's a anxious it's a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of aftance but the girl's voice changed i am anxious it's It's horrible to think of a man like him freezing in the bush. Her concern was so genuine and yet somehow so innocent that Evelyn's heart softened. Yes, she said, it's dreadful. Then she asked a question. Who's the Mr. Drayton, you mentioned? Kitty blushed becomingly. This was her lead.

Starting point is 08:55:02 He's a kind of partner in the lumber scheme. I'm going to marry him. He's as firm a friend of Mr. Vaines as anyone. There's a reason for that. I was in a very tight place once, left without money in a desolate settlement where there was nothing I could do when Mr. Vane helped me.

Starting point is 08:55:24 But perhaps that wouldn't interest you. For a moment her doubts still clung to their hold in Evelyn's mind, and then she suddenly drove the, last of them out with a stinging sense of humiliation she could not distrust this girl it was jesse's suggestion that was incredible it would interest me very much she said kitty told her story effectively but with caution laying most stress upon vein's compassion for the child and her invalid mother she was rather impressed by miss chisholm but she supposed the latter was endowed with some of the failings common to human nature evelyn listened to her with confused emotions and a softened face she was convinced of the truth of the simple tale and the thought of veins keeping his moneyed friends and directors waiting in vancouver in order that a tired child might rest and gather shells upon a sunny beach stirred her deeply it was so characteristic exactly what she would have expected him to do thank you she said quietly when kitty had finished and then flinging off the last of her reserve she asked her

Starting point is 08:56:49 a number of questions about drayton and celia's affairs before her visitors left all three were on friendly terms but evelyn was glad when they took their departure she wanted to be alone to think though in spite of the relief she was conscious of her thoughts were far from pleasant and foremost among them figured a crushing sense of shame she had wickedly misjudged a man who had given her many proofs of the fineness of his character the evil she had imputed to him was born of her own perverted imagination she was no better than the narrow-minded conventional pharisees she detested who were swift to condemn out of the uncleanliness of their self-righteous hearts then as she began to reason it flashed upon her that she was perhaps wronging herself her mind had been cunningly poisoned by an utterly unscrupulous and wholly detestable woman and she flamed out into a fit of imperious anger against jessie she had a hazy idea that this was not altogether reasonable since she was to some extent fastening the blame she deserved upon another person but it did not detract from the comfort the indulgence in her indignation brought her when she had grown calmer mrs nairn came in and mrs nairn was a discerning lady it was not difficult to lead evelyn and on to speak of her visitors, for the girl's pride was broken, and she felt in urgent need

Starting point is 08:58:35 of sympathy. But when she had described the interview, she felt impelled to avoid any discussion of its more important issues. I was surprised at the girl's manner, she concluded. It must have been embarrassing to them, but they were really so delicate over it, and they had so much courage. Mrs. Nairn smiled. Although one has traveled with third-rate strolling companies, and the other has waited in a hotel? Well, maybe your surprise was natural. You cannot all at once get rid of the ideas and prejudices you were brought up with. I suppose that was it, said Evelyn thoughtfully. Her companion's eyes twinkled.

Starting point is 08:59:23 then if you're to live among us happily you'll have to try in the way you use the words some of the leading men in this country were not brought up at all do you imagine that i'm going to live here mrs nairn gathered up one or two articles she had brought into the room with her and moved towards the door but before she reached it she looked back at the girl it occurred to me that the thing was not altogether impossible she said an hour afterwards evelyn went down into the town with her and in one of the streets they came upon jesse leaving a store the latter was not lacking in assurance and she moved forward to meet them but evelyn gazed at her with a total disregard of her presence and walked quietly on there was neither anger nor disdain in her attitude to have shown either would have been a concession she could not make the instincts of generations of gently reared englishwomen were aroused as well as the revulsion of an untainted nature from something unclean jesse's cheeks turned crimson and a malevolent light flashed into her eyes as she crossed the street mrs nairn noticed her expression and smiled at her companion i'm thinking it's as well you met jesse after she had got the boat for carol she said the remark was no doubt justified but the fact that jesse had been able to offer valuable assistance failed to soften evelyn towards her it was merely another offense in the meanwhile the tugged had steamed north

Starting point is 09:01:18 northwards towing the sloop which would be required and after landing the rescue party at the inlet steamed away again before she had disappeared carroll began his march and his companions long remembered it two of them were accustomed to packing surveyor stores through the seldom trodden bush and the others had worked in logging camps and chopped new roads but though they did not spare themselves they lacked their leader's stimulus. Carol, with all his love of ease, could rise to meet an emergency, and he wore out his companions before the journey was half done. He scarcely let them sleep.

Starting point is 09:02:03 He fed them on canned stuff to save delay in lighting fires, and he grew more feverishly impatient with every mile they made. He showed it chiefly by the tight set of his lips and the tension in his face, though now and then when fallen branches or thickets barred the way, he fell upon the obstacles with the axe in silent fury.

Starting point is 09:02:28 For the rest, he took the lead and kept it, and the others, following with shoulders aching from the backstraps and labored breath, suppressed their protests. Like many another made in that country, it was a heroic journey, one in which mind and body were taxed to the limb, limit delay might prove fatal the loads were heavy fatigue seized the shrinking flesh but the unrelenting will trained in such adventures mercilessly spurred it on toughened muscle is useful and in the trackless north can seldom be dispensed with but man's strength does not consist of that alone there are occasions when the stalwart fall behind and die in front of them as they progressed lay the unchanging forest tangled choked with fallen wreckage laced here and there with stabbing thorns appalling and almost impenetrable to the stranger

Starting point is 09:03:34 they must cleave their passage except where they could take to the creek for an easier way and wade through stingingly cold water or flounder over slippery fangs of rocks and ice-encrusted stones There was sharp frost among the ranges, and the brush they broke through was generally burdened with clogging snow. They went on, however, and on the last day, Carol drew away from those who followed him. It was dark when he discovered that he had lost them, but that did not matter, for now and then faint moonlight came filtering down, and he was leaving a plain trail behind. His shoulders were bleeding beneath the biting straps. He was on the verge of exhaustion, but he struggled forward, panting heavily,

Starting point is 09:04:27 and rending his garments to rags as he smashed through the brakes in the darkness. The night, it seemed a very long one, was nearly over when he recognized the roar of a rapid that rang in louder and louder pulsations across the snow-sprinkled bush. He was not far from the end now, and he became conscious of an unnerving fear. The ground was ascending sharply, and when he reached the top of the slope,

Starting point is 09:04:58 the question he shrank from would be answered for him. If there was no blink of light among the serried trunks, he would have come too late. He reached the summit, and his heart jumped. Then he clutched at it. a drooping branch to support himself, shaken by a reaction that sprang from relief. A flicker of uncertain radiance fell upon the trees ahead, and down the bitter wind there came the reek of pungent smoke. After that, for the bush was slightly more open, Carol believed he ran,

Starting point is 09:05:34 and presently came crashing and stumbling into the light of the fire. Then he stopped, too stirred and out of breath to speak, for vain lay where the red glow fell upon his face, smiling up at him. "'Well,' he said, "'you've come. I've been expecting you, but on the whole I got along not so badly.' Carol flung off his pack and sat down beside the fire. Then he fumbled for his pipe and began to fill it hurriedly with trembling fingers. "'Sorry I couldn't get through sooner,' he explained.

Starting point is 09:06:13 "'The stores on board the sloop were spoiled. I had to go on to Vancouver. But there are things to eat in my pack.' "'Hand it across,' said Vane. "'I haven't been ferrying sumptuously the last few days. "'No, sit still. "'I'm supple enough from the waist up.' "'He proved it by the way he leaned two and

Starting point is 09:06:38 fro as he opened the pack and distributed part of its contents among the cooking utensils while carol who assisted now and then did not care to speak the sight of the man's gaunt face and the eagerness in his eyes prompted him to an outbreak of feeling which was rather foreign to his nature and which he did not think vain would appreciate when the meal was ready the latter looked up at him i've no doubt this journey cost you something partner he said then they ate cheerfully and carroll who watched his friend's efforts with appreciation told his story in broken sentences sometimes with his mouth rather full for he had not troubled about much cooking since he left the inlet afterwards they lighted their pipes but by and by carols fell from his relaxing grasp i can't get over this sleepiness he explained i believe i disgraced myself in vancouver by going off in the most unsuitable places i dare say it was natural said vain with some dryness anyway hadn't you better hit yourself a little farther from the fire Carol did so and lay still afterwards, but Vane kept watch during the rest of the night until in the dawn the Packers appeared. End of Chapter 30

Starting point is 09:08:17 Recording by Roger Maline Chapter 31 of the Protector by Harold Bindloss. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline The Protector by Harold Bindloss Chapter 31 Vane is reinstated Breakfast was over and the two men,

Starting point is 09:08:49 wrapped in blankets, lay on opposite sides of the fire. Now that they had a supply of provisions, haste was not a matter of importance, and the rescue party needed a rest. Carol was aching all over his body and somewhat disturbed in mind, mind, because he had not said anything about their financial affairs to his comrade yet,

Starting point is 09:09:12 and the subject must be mentioned. What about the Claremont, Vane asked at length? You needn't trouble about breaking the news. Come right to the point. Then, to all intents and purposes, the company has gone under. It's been taken over by Horsefield's friends. Nairn has sold our stock, at considerably less than its face, value, and Carol added a brief account of the absorption of the concern. Ah, said Vane, whose face sat hard. I anticipated something of the kind last night. I saw how you

Starting point is 09:09:51 kept clear of the matter. But you said nothing. No, said Vane. I'd had time to consider the thing while I lay here, and it didn't look as if I could have got an intelligible account out of you. but you may as well mention how much nairn got for the shares he lay smoking silently for a few minutes after carol told him and the latter was strongly moved to sympathy since he thought it was not his financial reverse but one indirect result of it which would hit his comrade hardest well said vain grimly i suppose i've done what my friends would consider a mad thing in coming up here and i must face the reckoning carroll wondered if their conversation could be confined to the surface of the subject because there were depths it would be better to leave undisturbed after all you're far from broke he said as cheerfully as he could you have what the clermont stock brought in and you may make something out of this shingle splitting scheme there was bitterness in veins laugh when i left vancouver for england i was generally supposed to be well on the way to affluence and there was some foundation for the idea i had floated the clermont in the face of opposition people believed in me i could have raised what dollars i required for any new undertaking now a good deal of my money and my prestige is gone folks have very little confidence in a man who has shown himself a failure besides i may be a cripple

Starting point is 09:11:37 carol could guess his companion's thoughts there was a vein of stubborn pride in him and he had no doubt decided it was unfitting that evelyn's future should be linked to that of a ruined man this was an exaggerated view because vane was in reality far from ruined and even if he had been so he had in him the ability to recover from his misfortunes still the man was obstinate and generally ready to make a sacrifice for an idea carol however consoled himself with the reflection that evelyn would probably have something to say upon the subject if she were given an opportunity and he thought mrs nairn would contrive that she had one i can't see any benefit in making things out as considerably worse than they are he said nor can i vain agreed after all i was getting pretty tired of the city and i suppose i can raise enough to put up a small power-mill it will be a pleasant change to take charge for a year or so in the bush i'll make a start at the thing as soon as i'm able to walk this was significant because it implied that he did not intend to remain in vancouver where he would have been able to enjoy evelyn's company but carroll made no comment and by and by vain spoke again didn't you mention last night that it was through miss horsefield you got the tug he asked i was thinking about something else at the time yes said carol she made horsefield put some pressure on the people who had previously hired the boat ah said vain that's rather strange for a moment he looked puzzled but almost immediately his face grew impassive and carroll knew that he had some idea of jessie's treachery

Starting point is 09:13:39 he was however sure that any suspicions his comrade entertained would remain locked up in his breast i'm grateful to her anyway the latter resumed i believe i could have held out another day or two but it wouldn't have been pleasant carol began to talk about the preparations for their return which he soon afterwards set about making and early next morning they started for the sloop carrying vain upon a stretcher they had brought though they had to cut a passage for it every here and there they reached the vessel safely and after some trouble in getting him below and on to a locker carroll decided to sail straight for vancouver they were favored with moderate fair winds and though the boat was uncomfortably crowded she made a quick passage and stole in through the narrows as dusk was closing down one tranquil evening as it happened evelyn had spent part of the afternoon on the forest-crested rise above the city up which new dwellings were then creeping though they have no doubt spread beyond it and back into the bush by now from there she could look down upon the inlet and she had visited the spot frequently during the last few days watching eagerly for a sail that did not appear there had been no news of carol since the skipper of the tug reported having landed him and the girl was tormented by doubts and anxieties she had just come back and was standing in mrs nairn's sitting-room when she heard the girl's tinkle of the telephone bell. A moment or two later her hostess entered hastily.

Starting point is 09:15:27 "'It's a message from Alec,' she cried. "'He's heard from the wharf, vain sloops crossing the harbor. All the way down to see Carol brings him here.' Evelyn turned to follow her, but Mrs. Nairn waved her back. "'No,' she said firmly. "'You'll bide where you are. See they get plenty lights on, at the stairhead and in the passage, and the room on the left of it ready. She was gone in another moment, and Evelyn, who carried out her instructions, afterwards waited with what patience she could assume. At last there was a rattle of wheels outside, followed by a voice giving orders,

Starting point is 09:16:12 and then a tramp of feet. The sounds brought her a strange inward shrinking, but she ran to the door and saw two tattered men awkwardly carrying a stretcher up the steps while carroll and another assisted them then the light fell upon its burden and half prepared as she was she started in dismay vain whom she had last seen in vigorous health lay partly covered with an old blanket which had slipped off him to the waist and his jacket looked a mass of rags his hat had fallen aside and his face showed hollow and worn and pinched then he saw her and a light sprang into his eyes but next moment carroll's shoulder hid him and the men plodded on towards the stairs they ascended them with difficulty and the girl waited until carol came down i noticed you at the door and i expect you were a little shocked at the change in vain he said what he has undergone has pulled him down but if you had seen him when i first found him you'd have been worse startled he's getting on quite satisfactorily evelyn was relieved to hear it but carol who had paused who had paused continued,

Starting point is 09:17:36 As soon as the doctor comes, we'll make him more presentable. But as I'm not sure about the last bandages I put on, he can't be moved till then. Afterwards, he'll no doubt hold an audience. There was nothing to do but wait, and Evelyn again summoned her patients. Before long a doctor arrived, and Carol followed him to Vane's room alone.

Starting point is 09:18:05 the latter's face was very impassive though carol weighed in intense suspense while the doctor stripped off the bandages and bark supports from the injured leg he examined it attentively and then looked round at carol you fixed that limb when it was broken in the bush he said yes said carol with a desperate attempt to treat the matter humorously but i really think we both had a hand in the thing my partner favored me with his views i disclaim some of the responsibility then i guess you've been remarkably fortunate which is perhaps the best way of expressing it vane raised his head and fixed his eyes upon the speaker it won't have to be re-broken i'll be able to walk without a limp i should say the latter's very probable vane's eyes glistened and he let his head fall back it's good news better than i expected now if you could fix me up again i'd like to get dressed i've felt like a hobo long enough The doctor nodded indulgently. We can venture to change that state of affairs, but I'll superintend the operation.

Starting point is 09:19:30 It was some time before Vane's toilet was completed, and then Carol surveyed him with humorous admiration. You do us credit, and now I suppose I can announce that you'll receive, he said. Nairn and his wife and Evelyn came in, and the former who shook hands with vane very heartily afterwards looked down at him with twinkling eyes i'd have been glad to see you however you had come he said and vain fully believed him for all that this is not the way i could have wished to welcome you when a man won't take his friend's advice what can he expect said vane let it be a warning if the making of your mark and dollars is your object you must stick to it and think of nothing else you cannot accumulate riches by spreading yourself and philanthropy's no lucrative except maybe to a few it's good counsel but i'm thinking that's a pity his wife remarked what would you say evelyn the girl was aware that the tone of light banter had been adopted to cover deeper feelings which those present

Starting point is 09:20:48 shrank from expressing but she ventured to give her thoughts free rein i agree with you in one respect she said but i can't believe that the object mentioned is mr vane's only one he would never be willing to pay the necessary price it was a delicate compliment uttered in all sincerity and vane's worn face grew warm he was however conscious that it would be safer to avoid being serious, and he smiled. Well, he said, looking for timber rights is apt to prove expensive, too. I had a haunting fear I might be lame, until the doctor banished it. I'd better own that I'd no great confidence in Carroll's surgery. Carol, keeping strictly to the line the others had chosen, made him an ironical bow, but Evelyn was not to be deterred.

Starting point is 09:21:48 it was foolish of you to be troubled she declared it isn't a fault to be wounded in an honorable fight and even if the mark remains there is no reason why one should be ashamed of it mrs neorn glanced at the girl rather sharply but carroll came to his comrades assistance strictly speaking there wasn't a wound he pointed out fortunately it was what is known as a simple fracture if it had been anything else i'm inclined to think i could have treated it nearn chuckled as if this met with his approval but his wife turned round and they heard a patter of footsteps on the stairs yon bell has kept on ringing since we came up she said i left word i was not to be disturbed well as the door opened what is it minnie the reception-rooms plumb full announced the maid who was lately from the bush if any more folks come along i won't know where to put them now the door was open evelyn could hear a murmur of voices on the floor below and next moment the bell rang violently again which struck her as a testimonial to the injured man vain had not spent a long time in vancouver but he had the gift of making friends having heard of the sloop's arrival they had come to inquire for him and there was obviously a number of them mrs nairn glanced interrogatively at carroll it does not look as if they could be got rid of by a message i guess he's fit to see them carol answered we'll hold the letter

Starting point is 09:23:40 if he'd only let me i'd like to pose him a bit mrs nairn with evelyn's assistance did so instead rearranging the cushions about the man in spite of his confused and half-indignant protests and during the next half hour the room was generally full people walked in made sympathetic inquiries or exchanged cheerful banter until mrs nairn forces dismissed the last of them after this she declared that vain must go to sleep and paying no heed to his assertion that he had not the least wished to do so she led her remaining companions away a couple of hours had passed when she handed evelyn a large tumbler containing a preparation of whipped-up eggs and milk you might take him this and ask if you would like anything else she said i'm weary of the stairs and i would not trust minnie she's handiest at spilling things it's the third and i'd better say firmly the limit carol remarked then he assumed an aggrieved expression as evelyn moved off with a tray i can't see why i couldn't have gone i believe i've discharged my duties as nurse satisfactorily evelyn shared his suspicions her hostess's artifice was a transparent one but she nevertheless fell in with it she had only seen vain in the company of others this might be the same again to-morrow and there was something to be said by intuition as much as reason she knew that there was something working in his mind something that troubled him and might trouble her

Starting point is 09:25:38 it excited her apprehension and animated her with a desire to combat it that she might be compelled to follow an unconventional course did not matter this man was hers and she could not let him go she entered his room collectively he was lying neatly dressed upon a couch with his shoulders raised against the end of it for he had thrown the cushions which had supported him upon the floor As she came in, he leaned down in an attempt to recover them, and, finding himself too late, looked up guiltily. The fact that he could move with so much freedom was a comfort to the girl. She set down the tray on a table near him. "'Mrs. Nairn has sent you this,' she said, and the laugh they both indulged in drew them together. Then her mood changed, and her heart changed. yearned over him. He had gone away a strong, self-confident, prosperous man, and he had

Starting point is 09:26:46 come back defeated, broken in health and fortune, and terribly worn. Her pity shone in her softening eyes. "'Do you wish to sleep?' she asked. "'No,' Vane assured her. "'I'd a good deal sooner talk to you.' "'Well,' said Evel. "'I have something to say. "'I'm afraid I was rather unpleasant to you "'the evening before you sailed.

Starting point is 09:27:15 "'I was sorry for it afterwards. "'It was flagrant injustice. "'Then I wonder why you didn't answer the letter "'I wrote it in a name-o. "'For a very good reason. "'I never got it.' "'Vane considered this for a few moments. "'After all,' he said,

Starting point is 09:27:37 "'it doesn't matter.' now. I am acquitted? Absolutely. Do you know, he said, I've still no idea of my offense? Evelyn was exceedingly glad to hear it, but a warmth crept into her face, and as the blood showed through the delicate skin

Starting point is 09:27:58 he fixed his eyes intently upon her. It was all a mistake. I'm sorry still, she declared penitently. oh he said in a different tone i wouldn't trouble about it the satisfaction of being acquitted outweighs everything else besides i've made a number of rather serious mistakes myself the search for that spruce for instance is supposed to be one no said evelyn decidedly whoever thinks that is wrong it is a very fine thing you have done it doesn't matter in the least that you were unsuccessful you believe that of course how could i believe anything else the man's face changed again and once more she read the signs whatever doubts and half-formed resolutions and she had some idea of them had been working in his mind were dissipating well he said i've sacrificed the best of my possessions and destroyed the confidence of folks who to serve their ends would have helped me on isn't that a serious thing

Starting point is 09:29:17 no it's really a most unimportant one i-and the slight pause gave the assertion force i really mean it vain partly raised himself with one arm and there was no doubting the significance of his intent gaze i believe i made another blunder in england i should have had more courage and have faced the risk but you might have turned against me then i don't think that's likely said evelyn lowering her eyes the man leaned forward towards her but the hand he stretched out fell short and the trivial fact once more roused her compassion for his helplessness you can only mean one thing he said you wouldn't be afraid to face the future with me now i wouldn't be afraid at all said evelyn quietly by and by mrs nairn tapped at the door and smiled rather broadly when she came in then she shook her head in reproach you should have been asleep a while since she said to vain and turned to evelyn is this the way you intend to look after him she waved the girl towards the door and when she joined her in the passage kissed her effusively you've got the man i would have chosen for you she said the end of chapter thirty one end of the protector by harold bindloss

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