Shadow on the Land Read Online Free Page A

people’s railroad movement started. When he was killed about a year ago, his daughter inherited the ranch, and I’m sorry to say she inherited his prejudices and economic theories.” Stevens smiled. “That’s the story, son. You have a reputation for making women like you, so I don’t think you’ll fail.”
    Lee rose and reached for his hat, thinking sourly that he hadn’t lived up to his reputation with Hanna Racine. “Do I have a free hand?” he asked.
    â€œThe sky’s the limit.” Stevens glanced through the window. “We seem to be getting in.” Rising, he handed Lee a checkbook, a power of attorney, and a handful of forms. “Any of our agents could buy most of the missing pieces, but the Racine property will take all of your special talents.”
    â€œI’ll try to make use of those talents.”
    Stevens offered his hand. “Good luck, Dawes. I want regular reports. Send them to the OTL in Portland. Within a week or so, go on to Bend and stay at the Pilot Butte Inn. I’ll send you detailed instructions there. Later, you’ll be working with Porter Brothers, who are doing our construction for us. They’ll put in a camp at Horseshoe Bend, which is in the lower cañon and a trouble spot. Another camp will go in at Charley U’Rens’s place above White Horse rapids. One of our main problems is getting materials into the cañon. Some will go out over the Great Southern to Dufur on the west side and then be freighted down to the Deschutes, but the bulk of it will go over Harriman’s Columbia Southern on the east side and be ferried across the river. Later, you’ll be working on some of those access problems. They’ll be tough nuts to crack.” He shook his head, and then, eyes twinkling, he added: “And don’t get too distracted by the beauties you’ll find along the Deschutes.”
    â€œI’ll remember that, sir,” Lee said, sobered by the magnitude of this race, and by the error he had already unwittingly made. Lee stepped out of the stateroom, thinking again of a certain skirt that flicked so fetchingly above a certain pair of pretty ankles, and, as he turned along the deck, he noted that they were rounding Crates Point, which meant they would soon be in.
    Then he saw Deborah Haig. She disappeared from sight forward, and he followed in long, quick strides. She vanished into her cabin as he rounded the bow, hurrying as if she realized he was following. Lee found the door shut when he reached her cabin. Without knocking, he turned the knob and stepped in, closing the door behind him.
    The girl whirled, anger sparking brightly in her eyes. “What right . . . ?”
    â€œYou ran, but you knew I’d follow, so you didn’t lock the door. Wasn’t it Eve who started this game with Adam?”
    â€œI thought you were a gentleman.”
    â€œGentleman?” Lee laughed. “Not any. We’ll be landing in ten minutes. Let me take you to supper tonight.”
    Deborah looked at him thoughtfully, with the cool judgment of an experienced and mature woman. “You have a way with you, Dawes.”
    â€œWhat’s that got to do with supper?”
    â€œI was thinking of another time. The answer is no. I’m meeting somebody.”
    â€œA man?”
    â€œPerhaps.”
    â€œDeborah, we’ve got to meet again. We couldn’t be thrown together like this and do nothing about it. Lady Luck wouldn’t give us another chance.” He came closer, eyes utterly serious. “If I’ve offended you, I’m sorry.”
    â€œA persuasive speech, Mister Dawes. I’ll make you a trade. Tell me where you’re heading, and I’ll tell you if we’ll meet again.”
    He was instantly on the defensive, feeling the prying quality of her offer. The girl sensed his thought, and the friendliness abruptly left her eyes. There was a short moment of inner