"Well, you present a truly remarkable proposition," observed Ralph.
"Isn't it? It's a reality, all the same. And it's the key to a situation worth hundreds of thousands."
"You mystify me," acknowledged Ralph,--"allowing you are in earnest."
"Absolutely in earnest. No joshing. I'm quite interested, too, for I'm one of the two men who have built the railroad so far."
"Who is the other?"
Van shook his head.
"That's a secret, for the present. I think you'll know soon, though--soon as you see Mr. Gibson."
Ralph had to be content with this. He comprehended that there was some basis to Van's railroad pretensions, and felt very curious concerning the same.
At about eleven o'clock that night Van's predictions as to the difficulties in the way of progress were fully verified.
They were apparently in the midst of an untrodden forest. The brush was jungle-like, the ground one continuous sweep of hill and dale.