Whether from this uncertainty of mind; from a habit of depending upon his young foreman, or because of that something, which Phil and the stranger seemed to have in common, he shifted the whole matter by saying, "It's up to Phil here.

He's foreman of the Cross-Triangle.

If he wants to hire you, it's all right with me." At this the two young men faced each other; and on the face of each was a half questioning, half challenging smile.

The stranger seemed to say, "I know I am at your mercy; I don't expect you to believe in me after our meeting on the Divide, but I dare you to put me to the test." And Phil, if he had spoken, might have said, "I felt when I met you first that there was a man around somewhere.

I know you are curious to see what you would do if put to the test.