They climbed about the bank by dangerous paths, and then stopped at the end of the bridge.

“The thing can be done, but it will only make a temporary job,” Festing remarked.  “You will have to do it again, properly, in a year or two.”

“That the Company’s business,” Kerr replied.  “As soon as we start the traffic improvements can be paid for out of revenue instead of piling up construction costs.”

“You can imagine the cost if we cut back the hill far enough to ease the curve and lay the track on solid ground,” Norton interposed.  “The half-measure of scooping out a shallow road-bed and dumping the stuff on the incline is ruled out, because the spoil wouldn’t lie and the river would sweep the dirt away.  If we filled up the channel with rock, we’d turn the current on the bridge-pier.”

Then Charnock said something and Festing let them talk while he looked about.  Since a temporary job was required, he thought the plan was perhaps the best that could be used.  It called for a timber framework, beginning about half-way up the bank, although its height would vary with the ground.  The gaps between the frames would be faced with rockwork and then filled with rubble in order to make a bed for the rails on top.

“If you will come to the office, I’ll show you the detailed drawings,” Norton said presently, and the others followed him.

When they reached the office Festing studied the drawings, and then giving them to Charnock, lighted his pipe.  He wanted to undertake the contract, but hesitated.  The work already on his hands would occupy him for some time, and a lengthy absence might prejudice him with Helen.  Besides, he had taken risks enough and a new venture might prove a rash challenge to fortune; one could not foresee all the difficulties that might arise.  But, if he succeeded, he would go home with the means to resume his farming on a profitable scale.  Then he saw Charnock looking at him and knew he would agree to his decision.  Festing put down his pipe and knitted his brows.

“Well?” said Charnock.

Festing got up with a quick, resolute movement, and turned to Norton.

“We’ll undertake the job.”

“That’s all right,” said Norton.  “I’ll get the papers drawn up and send them over for you to sign.”

They went out, and as they climbed the hill Charnock remarked:  “This may turn out a big thing, partner.  Are you going home before we start?”

Festing looked up sharply, with a disturbed air.  “No.  To begin with, I’ve got to be about because the thing is big.”

“Then, as matters are going smoothly now, I’ll leave you for a week.”

“I can manage for a week and one of us must stay.  But why d’you want to leave?”

“On the whole, I think one of us had better go,” Charnock answered with some dryness.  “If you don’t mind, I’ll get off to-morrow.”

He started next morning, in the caboose of a returning supply train, and Festing, who went to see him off, stood for a few minutes on the snowy track while the rattle of wheels and snorting of the locomotive died away.  Bob had made a curious remark when he talked about going, and Festing wondered what he meant, but dismissed the matter and went back to his work.