"
It was a very contented and slightly hilarious party that went back to
the city, but Winston sat down before a shaded lamp with a wet rag
round his head when they left him, and bent over a sheaf of drawings
until his eyes grew dim. Then he once more took up a little strip of
paper that Graham had given him, and leaned forward with his arms upon
the table. The mill was very silent at last, for of all who had toiled
in it that day one weary man alone sat awake, staring, with aching
eyes, in front of him. There was, however, a little smile in them, for
roseate visions floated before them. If the promise that strip of
paper held out was redeemed, they might materialize, for those who had
toiled and wasted their substance that the eastern peoples might be fed
would that year, at least, not go without their reward. Then he
stretched out his arms wearily above his head.
"It almost seems that what I have hoped for may be mine," he said.
"Still, there is a good deal to be done first, and not two hours left
before I begin it to-morrow."
CHAPTER XXVII
REINSTATEMENT
A year of tireless effort and some anxiety had passed since Winston had
seen the first load of flour sent to the east, when he and Graham sat
talking in their Winnipeg office. The products of the St. Louis mills
were already in growing demand, and Graham appeared quietly contented
as he turned over the letters before him. When he laid down the last
one, however, he glanced at his companion somewhat anxiously.
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