Gully and Norton reached the village the following day about the middle
of the forenoon, and driving directly to the one hotel of which the town
boasted, found the strangers awaiting their arrival. The old gentleman
was walking impatiently to and fro on the narrow board walk that did
duty as a porch, and the two younger men were idly glancing through some
well worn back number magazines with which the writing table in the one
waiting room of the hotel was strewn.
After tieing his team Gully approached the old gentleman who, having
recognized him, had stopped his restless pacing and was nervously toying
with his watch fob. Accompanied by Jack Norton, whom he introduced, he
mentioned that "He regretted being so late, but the distance was great."
This apology was offered more for the purpose of conversation than
because he felt that it was due. The old gentleman acknowledged the
introduction of Norton and remarked that their lateness had caused him
no inconvenience, but added that he would like to get it finished as
soon as possible.
He invited them to enter the hotel, where his companions were waiting.
These, upon recognizing Gully, bowed slightly, but remained seated when
Norton was presented. The latter having noted their lack of interest in
Gully merely bowed in acknowledgment, and remained standing. Upon a
suggestion from the old gentleman that they repair to the room which he
was occupying to discuss their business, his two assistants arose,
stretched themselves, and lowering their trouser legs, which they had
thoughtfully drawn up to prevent their bagging at the knees, they
strolled leisurely toward the stairs to ascend.
Jack Norton, who had noticed the actions of the younger men, one of whom
could not have been much older than he, smiled indulgently as he thought
how they, in their ignorance, did not deem it necessary to extend to
them common courtesy, and mentally resolved to open their eyes on the
first occasion that presented itself before their departure. Dropping
back to allow the older man and Gully to precede him on the stairs, he
had just started up when the youngest of the strangers turned at the
head of the stairs and asked if it was necessary for "that fellow Norton
to be present." Jack Norton stopped and awaited Travis Gully's answer.
This was not long in coming. "It certainly is," he said, "Mr. Norton is
my associate in this deal, and he is the one who will do the talking."
This statement from Gully did not seem to create the impression on the
young man that Gully had hoped, and as he turned and continued his
leadership toward the room, Gully waited and taking Norton by the arm
said "Come on, Jack." Norton only smiled and accompanied them to the
room.
Once inside the room, with the elderly man seated by a small table and
Gully occupying the one remaining chair, the young strangers reclining
lazily upon the bed, Jack was left to take care of himself, which he did
by remaining standing with his hat in his hand. He realized that he was
at a disadvantage. His name had not been mentioned in the original
letter to the company, nor was he referred to during the visit of the
strangers on the day before.
The fact of his unexpected stay overnight at Gully's had deprived him of
the opportunity to change his clothes, and he had worn his overalls and
flannel shirt to this conference; but this fact did not annoy him in the
least, for he felt that he had judged the calibre of the younger members
of the party correctly, and he rather enjoyed the novelty of being
underestimated by them on account of his wearing apparel. He was
thoroughly familiar with the type of business man that he knew the old
gentleman to be and felt no resentment toward him for his brusque
manner. He had a bargain to drive, either for himself or the persons
whom he represented, and the accomplishment of this was his object, even
thought it took precedence over the demands of common politeness.
There was no loss of time in coming to the discussion of the subject of
the meeting, and without any preliminary remarks Gully was asked if he
had prepared any bid on the work that he wished to submit, and in case
his offer was accepted, what would be the nature of the agreement he
would be willing to sign.
As this volley of questions were fired at him unexpectedly, Gully did
not immediately reply, but reaching in his pocket, he drew out the paper
Norton had prepared, and after unfolding it answered that "He had
brought with him this paper, that would give them an idea of what would
be required and the probable cost of the work."
Jack Norton, realizing that there was data embodied in the memorandum
that he did not care to have come into the possession of the strangers
just yet, stepped forward, intercepting the paper as it was being passed
across the table to the old gentleman, took it, and refolding it, placed
it in his own pocket, remarking, with a smile: "I think, if you
gentlemen will allow me, that I can expedite matters by explaining
existing conditions without the necessity of delving into figures just
yet."
The two men reclining on the bed, aroused by his action and speech, were
now sitting up. The youngest, who had been introduced as Mr. Earl
Stevens, had started to arise and interfere, when Norton, glancing in
his direction, arrested his movements, and he had remained seated.
Jack Norton, realizing instantly that he had the situation well in hand,
could not resist the temptation to launch his first shaft at Stevens. He
continued: "Your friend Mr. Stevens is no doubt a stenographer, and
perhaps he would like to make notes during our conversation."
Stevens flushed and admitted that he was not, and the old gentleman said
he did not deem it necessary.
Travis Gully, who was wholly unprepared for this byplay on young
Norton's part, sat quietly by and awaited for him to continue.
Excusing himself for a moment, Jack Norton stepped out into the hall,
and entering an adjoining room, the door of which was standing open, he
immediately returned with a chair, which he placed at the table, and
began:
"In the first place, Mr. Palmer," this being the old gentleman's name,
"what is the nature of the improvements that you propose to make on this
land?"
"Well," Palmer began, "we intend to have it cleared of brush and
prepared for sowing to grain."
"What amount of land do you propose to have put into a state of
cultivation?" Norton asked.
"One whole section this winter, and probably more later," replied
Palmer.
"You have visited this land and are familiar with the conditions, are
you not, Mr. Palmer?" asked Jack.
"Yes, I was there yesterday."
"Knowing that the land is isolated to a certain extent and that there
are no buildings on it or water for the men and stock who may be
employed by you, do you propose to make the necessary improvements in
the way of shelter and water, or does the contractor have to provide
these requirements?" was Norton's next question.
"We had not contemplated improving the property to that extent until we
had gotten some returns on our first planting," answered Palmer, "but
should the prospect for a good yield look encouraging the company might
put on substantial improvements in the way of buildings and wells in
preparation for the coming harvest."
"Then by your reference to the company, I am to understand that you and
these gentlemen who are accompanying you are not the sole owners of this
land. Am I right?" asked Jack, with a look in the direction of the two
men on the bed.
"I am the agent of the owners, and these two young gentlemen are
surveyors who have accompanied me for the purpose of establishing the
lines with the view to fencing, and to take notes of the topographical
features of the land, which they hope at some time in the future will be
irrigated," explained Palmer. And he continued: "These gentlemen have
come prepared to remain until their work is completed. As for me, I
shall return as soon as the details of the preparation of the land for
seeding have been settled." And drawing from his pocket a bundle of
papers, extracting one from among them and laying it upon the table, he
leaned back in his chair and added: "My credentials."
Palmer took the slip and glancing at the figures on it, turned it over
and made some calculations, and seeming satisfied, asked if they had
prepared an agreement.
Norton replied that they had simply outlined it, and if the primary
feature, the price, was satisfactory, the other details could be worked
out later, as he understood from Mr. Gully that they were to return with
them provided an agreement was reached.
"Very well," answered Palmer, "if you gentlemen will remain and take
lunch with us, we will be more fit for the long drive."
They both thanked him and accepted the invitation. Gully suggested that
it would save time if he loaded their equipment before lunch and be
ready to start as soon as it was over. With this object in view, he and
Norton left the room, remarking that they would get the team and return
immediately.
Travis Gully watched young Norton closely as they crossed to where the
team was tied, but made no remark, as he knew that Jack was thinking and
would soon express himself in regard to the interview that had just
closed.
As they were preparing to climb into the wagon to drive to the hotel,
Jack stopped with one foot on the wheel and said, "Do you know, Mr.
Gully, that I believe I've seen that man Palmer before," and then he
added, "That fellow Stevens is a cad. Well I kept him out of it,
anyway."
Gully made no reply to Jack's remark about Palmer, but he thought
Stevens was a "Smartalec."
Norton, knowing that his opportunity for talking privately with Gully
would be gone after they had joined the others at the hotel, apologized
for taking the paper as he did, explaining that Palmer would see at a
glance what a less experienced man would have to figure out, and there
were certain figures on that paper that he did not want him to have
until he had learned the extent of his authority.
Gully told him that he had acted just right for he supposed that the
paper was to be submitted as it was, and he told Jack that he would
leave the arrangements of the details entirely in his hands.
It still lacking a few minutes to lunch time, they drove to the store
where a few purchases were made by Gully that had become necessary from
the fact that the strangers were to be his guests for a time. When this
was finished and the amount of the bill had been figured, Jack Norton
asked that it be receipted, and paid the cash. Gully remonstrated with
him and asked his idea for doing so.
"We are partners are we not?" asked Jack.
"In some things," Gully replied, "but--"
"Never mind the buts," laughingly interrupted Jack, "remember you have
the wagon and teams, while I have put in nothing and besides, their
being there will make more work for Mrs. Gully and Ida. Understand that
I intend to be a partner in every sense of the word."
Gully made no reply to this, and loading on their supplies, they drove
to the hotel and taking on the tents, baggage and instruments of the
strangers, tied their team and entered the hotel to await the call to
lunch, which was soon announced.
The start after lunch and the long drive to the Gully home was devoid of
interest. Norton had given up his seat with Gully to Mr. Palmer, and had
contented himself with a less comfortable one in the rear of the wagon
among the boxes and baggage. The strangers who had put aside their
business suits and had donned their khaki, were being jostled and jolted
in a most heartless manner by the rough wagon as it rumbled along,
clattering over stones and bumping over the sagebrush that obstructed
the road.
Conversation was a burden to these men, who fresh from the East, were
accustomed to more convenient means of transportation. Young Norton, who
was secretly enjoying their discomfort, was inclined to be social, and
in his efforts to entertain them, kept up a constant stream of
conversation. He told them of the advantages of the locality, of the
prospects of its being irrigated in the very near future by the
government, and how, if they were wise, they would secure a claim before
it was too late, and remain on it. He gave them a glowing description of
his trip to the harvest field, and recounted his experiences while
there, and as they showed unmistakable evidence of being bored he would
point to the claim of some homesteader and tell them where they had come
from and how long he must remain on his claim before he could make final
proof.
The noise of the wagon prevented Jack from hearing how Travis Gully and
Mr. Palmer were passing away the time. He could occasionally see one or
the other point at some object in the distance, and he supposed that
they were getting along nicely. As for him, Jack Norton frequently
remarked years after that he never had a better time, nor the road seem
so short.
They did not arrive at Gullys in time to establish their camp that
night, as the road they had driven out necessitated slow driving. After
the wagon had been unloaded and the horses cared for, supper was
announced and the strangers accompanying Travis Gully to the house, were
introduced to his family. Norton, who remained until after supper,
knowing that Gully was not prepared to furnish beds for the three men,
invited the two surveyors to accompany him to his shack, where he would
make them as comfortable for the night as he could. He was careful not
to mention the distance nor the scarcity of comforts at his home.
The surveyors accepted his offer of hospitality for the night, and
before they left to accompany him, it was arranged that they were to
return for breakfast the following morning, and the day would be devoted
to preparing their camp, and a trip to the company's land.
It was less than two miles from Gullys to Jack Norton's shack, but to
the surveyors who had been made tired and sore by the long rough ride of
the afternoon, the walk through the darkness across the sage covered
plain, with its numerous obstacles in the way of tufts of bunch grass,
scraggling sagebrush and abandoned badger holes, into and over which
they were constantly stumbling and falling in their efforts to follow
Jack, who, taking advantage of the shorter route, had purposely left the
road. To them the trip seemed interminable, and when they finally
reached Norton's home they staggered in, and after he had lighted the
small kerosene lamp, looked wistfully at the crude bed which Jack
pointed out to them with the remark: "It does not look very inviting,
but I suppose you gentlemen are tired enough to enjoy even these poor
accommodations."
To which Thomas Dugan, the eldest of the two strangers, answered: "I
feel tired enough to sleep anywhere," and added, smilingly, "I wish you
boys could see some of the places where I have bunked while surveying
with the U. S. Geological survey party in Alaska."
Norton's interest was immediately aroused, but knowing the hour to be
growing late, and feeling rather played out himself, from the long hours
of the night before, only remarked, "I would like to hear about it
sometime, Dr. Dugan."
Norton then asked his guests if they felt as though a fire would add to
their comfort, if so he would kindle one, as it would not take a great
while to warm the room.
Earl Stevens replied that all he wanted was "To get to bed."
"Very well," answered Jack. "How about you Mr. Dugan, are you chilly?"
"Not in the least," Dugan answered.
"Then you and Mr. Stevens may occupy my bed. I am sorry I have such
limited quarters that to provide you with separate apartments is
impossible."
"But how about yourself, where are you to sleep?" asked Dugan.
"Never mind about me, I am provided for," laughed Jack, and reaching
under his bed drew out his roll of harvest blankets.
"These," he said, "have been my only resting place for many long weeks
during the harvest season just passed, and I rather enjoy the prospect
of another night tucked comfortably away in their folds."
Earl Stevens, who during this time had been busily unlacing and removing
his leather leggins and removing his outer garments, was now ready to
retire, and with the remark, "Any port in a storm," he rolled over to
the side next to the wall and crawled beneath the cover.
Dugan, after asking Norton if he could be of any assistance to him, in
preparing his bed, and upon Jacks assurance that he could manage it
alone, soon joined Stevens.
Jack Norton, after putting out the light and bidding his guests
good-night, was soon snoring contentedly. If they were not comfortable,
restless or his snoring disturbed them, Jack was unaware of the fact,
for he did not awake the following morning until the sun was well up.
When he arose and went to the one small window with which his house was
provided, and drawing back the piece of calico that Miss Anderson had
neatly hemmed and with which she had presented him as a part of his
furnishings, the room was filled with sunlight. His guests were sleeping
soundly and were not awakened until the noise made by filling the stove
with sagebrush aroused them.
Jack lighted the fire and asked them if they were ready to get up. Dugan
immediately arose and after dressing, followed Norton out to the bench,
where he was provided with a brimming basin of ice cold water with which
to bathe his face. Jack laughingly told him "The ice water was another
reminder of his trip to Alaska."
Stevens, who soon followed, was also provided with this primitive means
of performing his morning ablution, and seemed much refreshed after its
completion. Upon being asked as to how they had rested, both he and
Dugan replied, "Splendidly."
Norton realized that breakfast was probably awaiting their arrival at
the Gully home and not wishing to cause any additional delay, pointed
out Gully's house, and asked his guests if they would mind going there
alone as he had some chores to do, before he could come, but would
follow as quickly as possible.
There being no objections to this, Dugan and Stevens left in the
direction of Gully's. Jack Norton watched their departure for a few
moments. He had made up his mind from the first that he did not like
young Stevens but had decided that Dugan was a good sort, and was
anxious to have an opportunity to know him better, and to hear of his
experience while in Alaska. Going into the house, he straightened out
the interior and supplying himself with pencils and paper for his use
during the day, followed his guests to Gully's.
Mrs. Gully was just serving breakfast when Norton arrived, and he noting
that the places at the table were all filled, insisted upon her not
arising to prepare a place for him, that he "Had much rather wait and
eat with the children." As the girls and Joe clamored with their mother,
that Jack's wishes in this respect be granted, she smilingly answered,
"Very well then, just as you and Jack say, but run along now, and let us
eat in peace."
Jack was out near where the equipment of the strangers had been
unloaded, preparatory to raising the tents, when a few minutes after,
Ida came to where he was standing and asked if he had eaten breakfast
so soon, she not having been in the room when Jack arrived, Norton
answered that he had not, and that he proposed to wait and eat with the
homefolks as he had gained her mother's consent to such an arrangement.
Ida expressed herself as pleased and said she had avoided meeting the
strangers and seeing him outside had taken this opportunity to ask him
how he had managed to care for the two men as she knew his house was
small.
Jack told her that they got along nicely, and he supposed that they had
rested well, as he had heard no complaint and he related how he had led
them across the sagebrush in the dark and expressed the opinion that if
anything would induce sleep, such a trip as he had given them surely
would.
Ida laughed merrily at Jack's description of the manner in which the two
surveyors had stumbled along in the dark, but asked if it was not
equally hard on him.
Assuring her that he was familiar with the route over which they had
gone they chatted on until Joe came running from the house calling to
them, "Mamma said come to breakfast." As they went to the house in
response to this summons, they passed Gully and the strangers, who were
on their way out to where the equipment lay.
Travis Gully, calling to Jack to wait a moment, came back and told him
when he had finished eating, to send Joe out and let him know, as he
wanted to arrange some plans for the day with him privately. Norton
promised to do so, and as he turned to rejoin Ida, who was waiting,
found her embarrassed and annoyed by the constant staring of Stevens,
who had stopped to await Gully's coming, but as she did not mention the
matter, Jack did not let her know that he had noticed it.
After his breakfast was eaten, Jack sent Joe to tell his father, and
when Gully, after excusing himself for a few moments, left the
strangers, and came to the house, where Jack was awaiting him in the
kitchen. He told him that he had been thinking the matter of the
contract over, and thought it a good idea to have a talk with some of
their neighbors and make sure of their help before binding themselves to
an agreement.
"How do you propose to manage it?" asked Jack.
"I thought you might take one of the teams and go see such of those as
you could, while I get the tents up, and upon your return we could drive
over and see the land," answered Gully.
Jack thought for a moment before he replied to this proposition. "I'll
tell you," he finally said, "tomorrow night the literary society meets.
We will attend the meeting, leaving these men here. They would not be
interested, and while we are there we can take the matter up with those
we want to see."
"But how about the contract?" asked Gully. "Ought it be signed, or can
it wait a day or two?"
"Let it wait," replied Jack.
So they went together where the strangers were waiting, and in a short
time, two tents were raised, and made fairly comfortable, and the
strangers had taken up their quarters. Mr. Palmer, with a rough board
table, and his suit case containing maps and papers occupying one, and
Dugan and Stevens with their surveying instruments, the other.