boy capitalist.

When they had made a tour of the farm Jefferson said: "Well, Rodney,
what do you think of the investment?"

"I am satisfied with it," answered Rodney. "Mr. Hooper, I will advance
you the money on the conditions mentioned by my friend, Mr. Pettigrew."

Tears of joy came into the eyes of Cyrus Hooper and his worn face showed
relief.

"I am very grateful, young man," he said. "I will see that you don't
regret your kindness."

"When will Squire Sheldon be over to settle matters, Uncle Cyrus?" asked
Jefferson.

"He is comin' this afternoon at two o'clock."

"Then Rodney and I will be over to take part in the business."

CHAPTER XXVII.

THE FAILURE OF SQUIRE SHELDON'S PLOT.

On the morning of the same day Squire Sheldon sat in his study when the
servant came in and brought a card.

"It's a gentleman thats come to see you, sir," she said.

Lemuel Sheldon's eye brightened when he saw the name, for it was that of
a railroad man who was interested in the proposed road from Sherborn.

"I am glad to see you, Mr. Caldwell," he said cordially, rising to
receive his guest. "What is the prospect as regards the railroad?"

"I look upon it as a certainty," answered Enoch Caldwell, a grave,
portly man of fifty.

"And it is sure to pass through our town?"

"Yes, I look upon that as definitely decided."

"The next question is as to the route it will take," went on the squire.
"Upon that point I should like to offer a few suggestions."

"I shall be glad to receive them. In fact, I may say that my report will
probably be accepted, and I shall be glad to consult you."

"Thank you. I appreciate the compliment you pay me, and, though I say
it, I don't think you could find any one more thoroughly conversant with
the lay of the land and the most advisable route to follow. If you will
put on your hat we will go out together and I will give you my views."

"I shall be glad to do so."

The two gentlemen took a leisurely walk through the village, going by
Cyrus Hooper's house on the way.

"In my view," said the squire, "the road should go directly through this
farm a little to the north of the house."

The squire proceeded to explain his reasons for the route he
recommended.

"To whom does the farm belong?" asked Caldwell, with a shrewd glance at
the squire.

"To an old man named Cyrus Hooper."

"Ahem! Perhaps he would be opposed to the road passing so near his
house."

"I apprehend that he