It was not till spring came and the earth relaxed her stiff and
reappearing bones that Clark really got to work, and then arrived the
first battalions of that great influx which was soon to follow. Up at
the rapids men and machinery became visible as though by magic.
Belding had a curious sensation as he saw the product of his former
plans well nigh obliterated in the larger excavation which now began to
take shape. His earlier efforts took on their due proportion, and he
smiled at the contrast, reveling in his opportunity for the full
exercise of his ability. But it is probable that neither Belding nor
any others amongst the leading men who, in time, were gathered into the
works, realized to what a degree they were animated by the mesmeric
influence of Clark.
By this time Bowers, another local appointment, was the legal
representative of the Company, and the repository of great intentions
which he guarded with scrupulous fidelity. Clark was redeeming his
promise not to import that which the town could provide. And then he
met the bishop.
He saw the broad-shouldered, black-coated figure contemplating a steam
shovel that was gnawing at the rocky soil beside the rapids. The
bishop was a big man with a handsome head, well shaped legs adorned
with episcopal gaiters, and a broad, deep chest. It was universally
admitted that a less ample breast could not have contained so great a
heart.
"Good day, sir." Clark involuntarily lifted his hat. The bishop held
out a firm white hand. "I've heard of you, Mr. Clark, and am glad to
see that Mahomet has come to his mountain. It's a little like a fairy
tale to me."
"I hope it may prove as attractive."
"But I believe in fairies, we need them nowadays."
Clark smiled. "I'm afraid that St. Marys doesn't believe in them as
yet, but I'll do what I can."
"I suppose you've met every one here in the course of the winter?"
"Most I think. As a matter of fact one hasn't much time."
"That's a new thing in winter in the North. Now show me what's going
on, I'm vastly interested."
There was nothing that could have suited Clark better, and the two
tramped about for an hour. At the end of it they stood near the head
of the rapids and watched a coughing dredge tear into the soft bottom.
"I used to come up here to fish," said the bishop thoughtfully, "and
once killed a six pound trout on a six ounce rod, but now you're doing
the fishing, and so it goes. Do you expect to begin operations in the
woods next winter?"
"Yes."
"Then I'll need some more missionaries. You're making a lot of work
for me, but I like it."
His companion glanced up with sudden interest. They both liked work.
It had been evident for an hour past in the prelate's keen questions.
It occurred to Clark that the influence of his own passion for creation
promised to affect a large number of people. But he had never dreamed
of missionaries, and now the thought amused him.
"I see young Belding over there," said the bishop as the engineer
passed with a transit over his shoulder. "Yes, my chief engineer."
"A good chap and I'm glad he has the opening. I don't know that he's
got much imagination, but a valuable man as I see him. I have an
idea," he added quizzically, "that you will supply all the imagination
that is necessary."