They did not do so solely that I might teach them
farming. A charge of that kind is no light responsibility, and I look
for assistance from the men who have almost as large a stake as I have
in the prosperity of Silverdale."
"Have you ever seen me do anything you could consider prejudicial to
it?" asked Winston.
"I have not," said Colonel Barrington.
"And it was by her own wish Miss Barrington, who, I fancy, is seldom
mistaken, asked me to the Grange?"
"It is a good plea," said Barrington. "I cannot question anything my
sister does."
"Then we will let it pass, though I am afraid you will consider what I
am going to ask a further presumption. You have forward wheat to
deliver, and find it difficult to obtain it?"
Barrington's smile was somewhat grim. "In both cases you have surmised
correctly."
Winston nodded. "Still, it is not mere inquisitiveness, sir. I fancy
I am the only man at Silverdale who can understand your difficulties,
and, what is more to the point, suggest a means of obviating them. You
still expect to buy at lower prices before the time to make delivery
comes?"
Again the care crept into Barrington's face, and he sat silent for
almost a minute. Then he said, very slowly, "I feel that I should
resent the question, but I will answer. It is what I hope to do."
"Well," said Winston, "I am afraid you will find prices higher still.
There is very little wheat in Minnesota this year, and what there was
in Dakota was cut down by hail.
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