"
A white radiance of rage swiftly transformed Allison Lee. His eyes
seemed to blaze purple out of his white face.
And Neale knew him to be Allie's father--saw the beauty and fire of
her eyes in his.
"Warburton! You'll reconsider. I have great influence--"
"To hell with your influence!" retorted Warburton, the lion in him
rising. "The builders--the directors--the owners of the U. P. R. are
right here in this car. Do you understand that? Do you demand that I
call a spade a spade?"
"I have been appointed by Congress. I will--"
"Congress or no Congress, you will never rebuild a foot of this
railroad," thundered Warburton. He stood there glaring, final,
assured. "For the sake of your--your government connections, let us
say--let well enough alone."
"This upstart boy of an engineer!" burst out Lee, in furious
resentment. "Who is he? How dare he accuse or report against me?"
"Mr. Lee, your name has never been mentioned by him," replied the
director.
Lee struggled for self-control. "But, Warburton, it's preposterous!"
he protested. "This wild boy--the associate of desperadoes--his
report, whatever it is--absurd! Absurd as opposed to my position! A
cub surveyor--slick with tongue and figures--to be thrown in my
face! It's outrageous! I'll have him--"
Warburton held up a hand and impelled Lee to silence.
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