"Yes, sir," chorused the two boys.
"Well, then, we are getting ready to lay out a line through here. But we don't want people to know it yet, because if they did they'd ask a good deal more for their land, which we might need, than it would be worth to us. We're willing, or that is the men who are putting the line through, are ready to pay a good price for the property, but not too much. So we came out here, without letting any one know, to look the ground over and see how it lays. Then if we like it we'll make an offer. But we don't want it talked about until we're ready to have it, that a railroad is likely to come through the valley. Do you understand?"
The boys nodded gravely.
"Now," went on Mr. Ranquist, "I like your looks, and as we need two bright, smart boys who know this part of the country well, we might like to engage you. How would you consider such a proposition?"
Adrian and Roger were silent a moment, thinking. They were wondering if they could properly accept the offer.
"It won't interfere with anything else you have to do," continued Mr. Ranquist. "We shall want you only once in a while to guide us around these parts. What do you say?"
"How much?" asked Adrian, always practical.
"Five dollars each," said Mr. Ranquist, quickly.
"For which we're to show you around when you want us and say nothing about a railroad line coming through," stipulated the boy.
"Exactly. I don't mind you telling your folks, but no one else."