"No," said Keith, "I have not. I have come to show you that my people down here do not always put things off till to-morrow. I have come to tell you that I have done the work. Here is your survey." He unrolled and spread out before Mr. Halbrook's astonished gaze the plat he had made. It was well done, the production of a draughtsman who knew the value of neatness and skill. The agent's eyes opened wide.
"Impossible! You could not have done it, or else you--"
"I have done it," said Keith, firmly. "It is correct."
"You had the plat before?" Mr. Halbrook's eyes were fastened on him keenly. He was feeling a little sore at what he considered having been outwitted by this youngster.
"I had run certain of the lines before," said Keith: "these, as I started to tell you yesterday. And now," he said, with a sudden change of manner, "I will make you the same proposal I made yesterday. You can pay me what you think the work is worth. I will not hold you to your bargain of yesterday."
The other sat back in his chair, and looked at him with a different expression on his face.
"You must have worked all night?' he said thoughtfully.
"I did," said Keith, "and so did my assistant, but that is nothing. I have often done that for less money. Many people sit up all night in Gumbolt," he added, with a smile.
"That old stage-driver said you were a worker." Mr. Halbrook's eyes were still on him. "Where are you from?"
"Born and bred in the South," said Keith.