It started in at the earliest hour. Hip-Lee was preparing breakfast, and Gordon was still dressing. A note was brought from Peter McSwain. Gordon opened it, and the first emotions of an eventful day began to take definite shape.
The note informed him that McSwain had been faithful to his promise. He, assisted by Mike Callahan of the livery barn, had worked strenuously. The results had been splendid amongst all the principal landholders in Snake's Fall and Buffalo Point. Prices this morning were "skied" prohibitively.
The holders saw their advantage. Even if the railroad bought in Snake's Fall they would be "on velvet." They agreed that it was the first sound move made. They agreed that it was good to "jolly" a railroad. The men who did not hold in Buffalo only held insignificant property in Snake's Fall, which would be useless to the railroad. But should the railroad buy there, even these would be benefited.
Gordon began to feel that palpitating excitement in the stomach indicative of a disturbed nervous system. Things were stirring. He examined the situation from the view point of yesterday's encounter. With these people working in with him, the future certainty began to look brighter than when he had retired to bed over-night.
Mallinsbee came along after breakfast, and Gordon showed him McSwain's message.
The rancher read it over twice. Then his opinion came in deep, rumbling notes.
"That's sure what you needed," he said, with a shrewd, twinkling smile. "But I don't guess the shoutin's begun."
"No?"
Gordon eyed him uneasily. He had felt rather pleased.
"We can't shout till Slosson talks," the rancher went on. "That talk of Peter's is still only our side of the play."