This matter having been satisfactorily adjusted, the lawyer, with a rather ironical air, observed,
"If I am not trenching upon forbidden ground, might I ask a few more questions concerning this scheme of yours?"
"As many as you like, sir."
"Thank you. I take it for granted you will retain Mr. Dalton as manager?"
"Yes."
"And most of the employees as at present?"
"All, for aught I know."
"And you speak of building up a town—just what does that mean to your own mind?"
"I'll try to tell you. You know at present there are only the buildings for the Works, the branch track and engine sheds, and the few rows of uncomfortable cottages for the families of the men. There is no school, no church, no library, no meeting-place of any kind, except the grocery store and saloon; and those bare, staring rows of mean houses, just alike, are not homes in any sense of the word. I want to add all such comforts—no, I call them necessities—and more."
"More? As what, for instance?"