Well, I know, and you know, that all along a line that 's being surveyed, there 's little dabs of land that they call "gores," that fall to the surveyor free gratis for nothing.

All you've got to do, on your side, is to survey in such a way that the "gores" will fall on good fat land, then you turn 'em over to me, I stock 'em with cattle, in rolls the cash, I plank out your share of the dollars regular, right along, and--' I was sorry to wither his blooming enthusiasm, but it could not be helped.

I interrupted, and said severely-- 'I am not that kind of a surveyor.

Let us change the subject, Mr.
Backus.' It was pitiful to see his confusion and hear his awkward and shamefaced apologies.

I was as much distressed as he was--especially as he seemed so far from having suspected that there was anything improper in his proposition.