The Weber Literary Journal of the work and Steele went east. He arrived in New York and proceeded at once to the office of the Sutler Wholesale Supply Company. After much red tape he was ushered into a lavishly furnished office, where he was greeted by Mr. Whiteside, manager of the firm. "Steele is my name. I am from the reclamation project at the Dale ranch, Mr. Whiteside. I received a telegram requesting $10,000 for past supplies. When I left, you agreed to let all supplies ride on my credit until the work was finished." "I'm very sorry this has caused you so much trouble, Mr. Steele. I'll give the matter my personal attention and be pleased to let you know this afternoon. Can you return at say about three?" Steele left the office and paid a visit to an uptown jeweler, had a bite of lunch and returned for his answer. "Well, you see, Mr. Steele, a mistake was made in sending and I am sorry we caused you so much trouble and everything will go on as before." Steele bid him good-day, left in good spirits, and was soon speeding west again. The work was pushed rapidly now and it was evident that Pat was in high spirits, for now and then catchy Irish melodies could be heard floating on the breeze. Steele made frequent visits to the ranch and the two could be seen riding along the canal or walking at the dam. The man, kind, but strict with men issuing an order here and doing something there; the girl, smiling and giving encouragement to the men. The time flew rapidly and Pat rushed his men to the limit of their endurance. All the good spirits could not last long and one night a telegram came in stating that no more steel and cement would be shipped unless $30,000 was paid immediately. Steele was much worried. He did not have the money nor any idea where some might be gained. He and Pat labored among the papers far into the night and the next morning found them no farther advanced. That day at noon a new problem came up. Some of the men were tired of working and one hundred and fifty of them quit and demanded their time checks. The forces were cut down, 18 The Weber Literary Journal and with the decrease in help, Pat's temper rose. Language flew thick and fast and dusk saw a thoroughly roused Irishman charging across the mesa. Steele stayed at the work and pushed ahead with the men that were loyal to him. Visits to the ranch were cut off and the ranch and even the works seemed to be lonely. Steele plunged more into his work. Pat was in the East about two weeks. When he returned he had "cooled off" a little and a new gang of men arrived with him. The steel and cement were brought in and work started forward with a greater rush. This, however, was cut short by an early winter, and again they had to suspend work. Pat placed a charge or two in a rocky point, blew it out and worked along until he was completely frozen out. His camp had long since moved from the main one and so repairs were made for the great spring offensive, for only three months would be left to finish the work. During the winter Steele made up for lost time by placing a ring on his beloved one's finger and he was ready to work harder than ever before. Early in March the work commenced and everything was off with a rush. The men were divided into shifts and no one slept. Pat swore and rushed on, scarcely stopping to eat, and Steele became hollow-eyed and haggard. He saw Aavis only when she visited the dam to encourage him and his men in their work. Only two weeks remained to put the finishing touches on the dam. Then one of the mixers broke and again work was retarded, while extras were sent for. Steele was wild, for not only his fortune hung in the balance, but the girl he loved was in the same scales, and odds were against him. Pat swore and drove and swore again. The dirt flew, the teams fairly ran and everyone worked like a man possessed. Only two days now remained if the dam were to be finished on time. Finally it was ready to be tested and all minds were centered on the big ditch. No one stopped to eat, and sleep was out of the question. The last piece of land had been ploughed and the 19