"There is an office at the depot."
"Then I will take that on my way back to the hotel."
At one corner of the depot Ben found a telegraph operator. After a little consideration, he dashed off the following telegram:
"No. —— Madison Avenue, New York.
"To Mrs. Hamilton:
"Oil has been discovered on your farm. I am offered forty thousand
dollars for it by a responsible party. What shall I do?
"Ben Barclay."
"Send answer to the hotel," said Ben, to the operator.
Four hours later a messenger brought to Ben the following dispatch:
"Your news is most surprising. Sell at the figure named if you think
it best. You have full powers.
"Helen Hamilton."
Mr. Taylor watched Ben's face eagerly as he read the telegram, for he knew that it must relate to his offer.
"What does your principal say?" he inquired.
"You can read the telegram, Mr. Taylor."