for six months to fulfill, and
these contracts would be concluded the day the first rail was laid.

"And when will that be?" interrupted a shareholder, scornfully.

"I have every assurance," said Ranald, quietly, "from the premier
himself, that the building of the railroad will be started this fall."

"Did Sir John A. MacDonald give you a definite promise?" asked the man,
in surprise.

"Not exactly a promise," said Ranald.

A chorus of scornful "Ohs" greeted this admission.

"But the premier assured me that all his influence would be thrown in
favor of immediate construction."

"For my part," replied the share-holder, "I place not the slightest
confidence in any such promise as that."

"And I," said Ranald, calmly, "have every confidence that work on the
line will be started this fall." And then he went on to speak of the
future that he saw stretching out before the province and the whole
Dominion. The feeling of opposition in the air roused him like a call
to battle, and the thought that he was pleading for the West that he
had grown to love, stimulated him like a draught of strong wine. In the
midst of his speech the secretary, who till that moment had not been
present, came into the room with the evening paper in his hand. He gave
it to the president, pointing out a paragraph. At once the president,
interrupting Ranald in his speech, rose and said, "Gentlemen, there
is an item of news here that I think you will all agree bears somewhat
directly upon this business." He then read Sir John A. MacDonald's
famous telegram to the British Columbia government, promising that the
Canadian Pacific Railway should be begun that fall. After the cheers had
died away, Ranald rose again, and said, "Mr. President and gentlemen,
there is no need that I should say anything more. I simply wish to add
that I return to British Columbia next week, but whether as manager for
this company or not that is a matter of perfect indifference to me." And
saying this, he left the room, followed by Colonel Thorp.

"You're all right, pardner," said the colonel, shaking him vigorously by
the hand, "and if they don't feel like playing up to your lead, then,
by the great and everlasting Sammy, we will make a new deal and play it
alone!"

"All right, Colonel," said Ranald; "I almost think I'd rather play it
without them and you can tell them so."

"Where are you going now?" said the colonel.

"I've got to go to Toronto for a day," said Ranal