Dave saw his goal looming. He saw clearly that all that he had worked
for, hoped for, could be gained at one stroke. That one stroke meant
capturing the great government contract for the lumber required for
building the new naval docks. It was a contract involving millions of
dollars, and, with all the courage with which his spirit was laden, he
meant to attempt the capture. His plans had been silently laid. No
detail had been forgotten, no pains spared. Night and day his
thoughtful brain had worked upon his scheme, and now had come that time
when he must sit back and wait for the great moment. Nor did this great
moment depend on him, and therein lay the uncertainty, the gamble so
dear to the human heart.