"
XIX
After breakfast on the morning of the first of July, Orcutt and Cameron
repaired to the cabin where, with the rough pine table littered with
maps, they discussed the terms and conditions of the contract of sale.
While Wentworth, palpably nervous, paced the clearing; his eyes were
upon the trails that led into the forest, and out upon the lake, for a
sign of a canoe from the southward.
When at last the pros and cons had all been threshed over, clauses
inserted, and clauses struck out, Orcutt drew from his pocket a heavy
gold watch, and snapping it open, detached it from its chain and laid
it upon the table between them. "Half past eleven," he announced. "I
suppose you insist upon waiting until the uttermost minute ticks to its
close."
"Yes," answered Cameron. "McNabb's options hold good until twelve
o'clock."
"I am anxious to get back," said Orcutt, offering his cigar case, "but
I don't want to return without having a look at the mill site. How far
is it from here?"
"About forty miles. If you leave here right after noon you will make
it before noon to-morrow."
"I'll do it, and return the following day."
The two men smoked with their eyes upon the minute hand that slowly
crept toward twelve. Now and then Cameron's glance strayed through the
window toward the trading post, as though he half expected to see John
McNabb step to its door.
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