The Akeville people were a good deal surprised at this apparently singular transaction on the part of the Mica Company, but before long, their reasons for helping the boys to put up their line and then buying it, became plain enough.
The Mica Company had invested a large capital in mines and lands, and the business required telegraphic communication with the North. The managers knew that they might have a good deal of trouble to get permission to put up their line on the lands between the mines and Hetertown, and so they wisely helped the boys to put up the line, and then bought it of them, with all their rights and privileges.
There was probably some sharp practice in this transaction, but our young friends and Aunt Matilda profited by it.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
A Meeting.
About a week after the dissolution of the Crooked Creek Company, Harry was riding over from Hetertown, and had nearly reached the creek on his way home, when he met George Purvis.
This was their first meeting since their fight, for George had been away on a visit to some relatives in Richmond.
When Harry saw George riding slowly toward him, he felt very much embarrassed, and very much annoyed because he was embarrassed.