"The Great Northern. If they had surveyed right through and made Dover the terminal, they could have still put through what is now the main line, and this route would have kept the Midland Central out of the field."
"You seem pretty well-posted on railroad tactics," said Ralph.
"I am--around these diggings. I've been in the railroad line for two years."
"You a railroader!"
"I call myself one."
"You have worked on a railroad?"
"Sure--for two years."
"What railroad?"
Van regarded Ralph quizzically.
"Tell you, Fairbanks," he said, "that's straight, although the railroad hasn't a name yet, hasn't turned a wheel, is so far only two miles long, and that's all grading and no rails."