Parker seemed tall and angular and rather awkward. The brown of out-of-doors was upon his skin. His eyelids dropped at the corners in rather a listless way, but the eyes beneath were gray and steady. He was young, not more than twenty-five, so Whittaker judged at his first sharp glance.
“Do you think you can build that road that Jerrard has been telling you about?” asked the president, briskly.
“I think so, sir.” Parker spoke with a drawl.
“You understand what the plan is?”
“Mr. Jerrard has explained quite fully.”
“Are you afraid of bears and owls?” The president spoke jocosely, but there was a significant tone in his voice.
“I don't think I should spend much time climbing trees,” replied Parker, smiling.
“Do you understand that the man we send must take the whole undertaking on his own shoulders? Neither Mr. Jerrard nor myself cares to think about the matter, even.” “I'll be glad to be instructed, sir.” “You'll have instructions as to limit of construction cost per mile, authority to draw on us as you need money, and the road must be in operation by the middle of July. Now Jerrard speaks well of your qualifications. What do you think?” “I am ready to accept the commission, sir.” “You'll have to get away at once, Parker,” said Jerrard. “You must get construction material and supplies across Spinnaker before the ice breaks up. You can depend on the most of April for ice.”
“I can start when you say the word.” “We shall rush material. Suppose you start to-morrow morning?” “I'll start sir.”
He left the room when he was informed that his instructions would await him that evening.