Ralph Stock

“ Sprague; you may remember what I said to you one night on Queenscliff——”
“Then I shall be forced to pitch you out into the snow,” said Sprague.
Mr. Walker seemed to digest this ultimatum, and came to the conclusion that the other meant it; also that it is a distressing thing to meet people who mean things when they say them in a twelve-by-fifteen hut, five miles from anywhere. He fell to pondering an entirely new problem, namely, how to “crush” a man who has no money and less respect for it. ”

“ The land agent revived like a drooping flower after a shower of rain.
“Oh,” he said, “so you've seen my wife!” And, receiving no answer, he returned to his seat by the fire. “Queer!” he mused aloud. “She never told me about it.” ”

“ Sprague's gaze was centered on the white square of window. It was now quite dark, and the cold had increased, for the snow clung to the glass without melting. Presently he turned from it to the fire.
“Look here, Mr. Walker,” he said deliberately, “we dislike each other for our own particular reasons; we're thrown together as long as this storm lasts; let's make the best of an uncomfortable position. Avoid personalities; if you must talk, as I've said, talk about money. For instance, how is Walker's Forest progressing?” ”