folded across his deep chest and he stood so still that Rhoda could see
his arms rise and fall with his breath.

"It really is great work!" he was saying eagerly. "It seems to me that
a civil engineer has tremendous opportunities to do really big things.
Some of Kipling's stories of them are bully."

"Aren't they!" answered Rhoda sympathetically.

"There is a big thing in my favor too. The whites make no
discrimination against an Indian in the professions. In fact every one
gives him a boost in passing!"

"Why shouldn't they? You have as good a brain and are as attractive as
any man of my acquaintance!"

The young man drew a quick breath.

"Do you really mean that?"

"Of course! Why shouldn't I? Isn't the moonlight uncanny on the
desert?"

But Kut-le did not heed her attempt to change the subject.

"There are unlimited opportunities for me to make good, now that the
government is putting up so many dams. I believe that I can go to the
top with any man, don't you, Miss Rhoda?"

"I do, indeed!" replied Rhoda sincerely.