It was a difficult undertaking, but Kerr thought a bold, resourceful man could carry it out with profit.

He did not know if it would appeal to Festing, although prairie farmers sometimes went to work with their teams on a new track when their harvest was poor.

Kerr ended with the hope that this was not the case with Festing.
The latter sat still for a few minutes with his brows knit and then started his team.

It was too late to think of railroad contracts; he had chosen his line and must stick to it, but his look was irresolute as he drove on.
Some time after Festing reached the settlement, Wilkinson and three or four others sat, smoking, in the poolroom.

This supplied a useful hint about their character, because supper would not be ready for an hour or two, and industrious people were busily occupied.