Have you heard any talk of the great buying-up of forests, mines, and water-power?
Johan.
Yes, for a company in some other town——
Bernick.
As these properties now lie, they are as good as worthless to their scattered owners; so they have sold comparatively cheap. If the purchaser had waited until the branch line was known to be in contemplation, the vendors would have demanded fancy prices.
Lona.
Very likely; but what then?
Bernick.
Now comes the point which may or may not be interpreted favourably—a risk which no man in our community could afford to incur, unless he had a spotless and honoured name to rely upon.
Lona.