t the valleys here could blossom if we could get water to them. The
Reclamation Service never expects to get in there."

"I know that," said Roger eagerly, "and yet a cheap power would make an
inland empire of that section."

"Have you ever seen it?" asked Austin.

"No, Chicago has been my uttermost limit of travel so far. But I've
studied hot countries and their resources for ten years."

"My idea is," said Austin, "that we buy all our supplies at St. Louis.
I'll go that far with you. You can buy the essentials for making camp at
Archer's Springs and by the time you are ready for it, freight will have
brought the rest. I believe there is an excellent trading store at
Archer's Springs where you can buy a camp outfit. I'll wire down and
find out."

"Jove, Rog, doesn't that sound great!" exclaimed Ernest.

"When shall we plan to start?" asked Roger.

"Why not at once, so as to get the plant running by Spring, when the
real heat comes on?" Austin looked from one eager face to the other.

"We both are teaching, you know," said Ernest. "I thought next June--"

"Next June!" shouted Roger. "This is the first of December, Dr. Austin.
We'll have found substitutes and be ready to travel immediately after
the Christmas recess."

Ernest winced. "That's crowding things! But--well, you're the boss of
the expedition, Rog. I'll be with you."

"Fine!" Austin rubbed his hands together. "We'll start our purchase list
now, eh?"

The concert, which had proceeded during the evening without
interruption, now stopped abruptly, just as the clock struck ten.

"How about deferring that until to-morrow?" asked Roger. "I've a number
of lists in my desk at the Science Building that will help us."

"That's a good idea," Austin rose as he spoke. "Will you both take
dinner with me at the hotel to-morrow evening and we can give the
evening to this?"

"We'll be there," replied Roger, following Austin to the door. When he
returned, Ernest was locking up the drawings. "Well, Ern, old boy, it's
not big business, but thanks to you, it's a real start in that
direction, anyhow. How can I thank you?"

"By helping me to break the news to the family. It's most deucedly short
notice. We'll have some trouble in finding substitutes for our classroom
work."

"I'm sure Benson and Ames will be only too glad of the chance," Roger
spoke decidedly. "I thought of them this afternoon. I swear I was in
earnest in saying I was through with teaching. And n