, square-shouldered, lithe, and capable.
He had a strong face and a level, steady eye.

"If you mean business, let's get acquainted," he said. "My front name
is Kent."

"Well, Kent, let's get busy," smiled Sanderson. "You go to work on
your estimates, order your material, hire your men. I'll see how bad
the people in the basin want the water they've been expectin'."

Kent Williams took up his quarters in the bunkhouse and immediately
began work, though before he could do much he rode to Okar, telegraphed
to Dry Bottom, the town which had been the scene of his previous
activity, and awaited the arrival of several capable-looking young men.

In company with the latter he returned to the Double A, and for many
days thereafter he and his men ran the transit and drove stakes in the
basin and along the gorge.

Sanderson spent much of his time talking with the cattlemen in the
basin. They were all eager to have water brought to their ranches, for
it would save them the long trip to the river, which was inaccessible
in many places, and they welcomed the new project.

0ne of the men--a newcomer to the basin--voiced the general sentiment.

"We want water, an' we don't give a damn who brings it here. First
come, first served!"

The big problem to Sanderson, however, was the question of money. He
was aware that a vast sum would be required. Nearly all the money he
possessed would be sunk in the preliminary work, and he knew that if
the work was to go on he must borrow money.

He couldn't get money in Okar, he knew that.

He rode to Lazette and talked with a banker there. The latter was
interested, but unwilling to lend.

"The Okar Basin," he said. "Yes, I've heard about it. Great prospects
there. But I've been told that Silverthorn and Maison are going to put
it through, and until I hear from them, I shouldn't like to interfere."

"That gang won't touch the Double A water!" declared Sanderson. "I'll
see the basin scorched to a cinder before I'll let them in on the deal!"

The banker smiled. "You are entitled to the water, of course; and I
admire your grit. But those men are powerful. I have to depend on
them a great deal. So you can see that I couldn't do anything without
first consulting them."

Sanderson left Lazette in disgust. It was not until after he had tried
in Dry Bottom and Las Vegas that he realized how subtle and
far-reaching was the power and influence of the financial rulers of
Okar.