d around and Bill Calthorpe and the other squatters
did the same, the first speaker's admission not being denied by
any of them.

"No, he ain't here now," said Jenkins.

"Was he here at all to-day?" suddenly asked Billy Manners in a tone
that brought attention upon him in an instant.

"Yes, he was!" said Jenkins doggedly, and all the boys gave a gasp.

CHAPTER XXI

WHAT APPEARED ON BILLY'S PLATES

The statement of Jim Jenkins that a boy wearing the uniform of the
Hilltop boys had told him and others that the building of the branch
line would injure them had already caused considerable excitement
among the young students, and Jim's second statement to the effect
that the boy had been there that very day only served to increase it.

The doctor did not seem to care about pressing this point, however,
and said somewhat impatiently:

"Well, whoever it was who gave you this information, it was false,
and I will prove to you that we have every authority for going on
with this work and that it will not injure you in the least."

Dr. Wise then produced maps, letters and other documents and proceeded
to enforce his point.

The men seemed little interested, however, and several of them went
away while the doctor was stating his case, the big man at length
saying in a surly tone as he turned away:

"That's all right, go on with yer old road, but I'd just like-----"
and he went away muttering, followed by the greater part of the men
still remaining, some having already left.

"Ha! very strange, quite incomprehensible, yes, yes," said the
doctor. "Well, well! I really can't---well, never mind. Go on
with your work, young gentlemen. I do not think it will again be
interfered with."

Percival had not waited for the word to go ahead, but had already
set up his theodolite while the doctor was explaining matters to
the men, and had taken a number of sights, set his first bench mark
and was getting his boys to work, Jack being ready to follow behind
with his levelers as soon as the work ahead was far enough advanced.

The greater part of the men went away with Calthorpe, but a few of
them remained behind to watch the boys at work, showing considerable
interest.

Percival took his sights, fixed his direction and went ahead rapidly,
setting his stakes and running his line roughly, Jack coming on
later and settling the level.

After supper, when it was quite dark and the boys were sitting around
the camp fires