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Rh beyond dispute—as was the fact that he was the best educated architect in Avalon. No doubt there were men of greater resource and experience in New York—though probably none of greater talent. Certainly with a man of such exceptional ability at home, it was not necessary to send to New York for architects. Colonel Halket had always supported the principle which he himself had phrased—"Avalon should be built from within rather than from without." It was this wise fostering of home industry which had made Avalon so prosperous and self-respecting a community.

Stewart was expatiating on his plans long after Mr. Dunbar had made up his mind that it would be false modesty and false delicacy not to push the claims of the best man simply because the best man happened to be his son-in-law.

"Yes," he said finally, "I like your scheme; I like it very much. I shall feel at liberty to recommend it; perhaps the best thing would be for me to speak about it to Floyd."

"I think so," said Stewart. "I'd rather he should hear of it first from you than from me. I don't want to seem even to Floyd, old friend though he is, to be pushing myself."

"Quite right, quite right. I have no doubt that Floyd will be hospitable to the idea—and between us we can manage Barstow."

Mr. Dunbar laughed at the idea of such a droll little conspiracy.

"You might let Floyd know that I'm ready at any time to show him my plans," suggested Stewart.

"Yes; he'll hardly hold out against them.—In another week we ought to get the matter definitely closed up; I expect I shall be detained here a week longer at least. If you should be awarded the job, Stewart, I suppose it would mean your staying in Avalon and working all the rest of the summer."