"You think he was too clever?" Mrs. Nelson broke in. "How absurd to say that! We have won a brilliant victory!"
Grant made a little gesture.
"If you're convinced of that, ma'am, we'll leave you to talk it over."
He led George toward the door.
"I like that man Hardie," he resumed when they reached the street. "Beamish has him beaten for the present, but I'm thankful there'll be no women about when we come to grips with his crowd. It may take a while, but those fellows have got to be downed."
CHAPTER XII
GEORGE FACES DISASTER
A fortnight had passed since the affair at the settlement when Hardie arrived at the Marston homestead toward supper-time. After the meal was over, he accompanied his host and Edgar to the little room used for an office.
"As I've been busy since four this morning, I don't mean to do anything more," said George, "I suppose you don't smoke?"
"No," Hardie answered. "It's a concession I can make without much effort to our stricter brethren. I'm inclined to believe they consider smoking almost as bad as drink. You agree with them about the latter?"