Harry had besieged the New York headquarters of the Columbus River Slack-water Navigation Company with demands, then commands, and finally appeals, but to no purpose; the appropriation did not come; the letters were not even answered.

The workmen were clamorous, now.

The Colonel and Harry retired to consult.
"What's to be done ?" said the Colonel.
"Hang'd if I know." "Company say anything ?" "Not a word." "You telegraphed yesterday ?" Yes, and the day before, too." "No answer ?" "None-confound them!" Then there was a long pause.

Finally both spoke at once: "I've got it!" "I've got it!" "What's yours ?" said Harry.
"Give the boys thirty-day orders on the Company for the back pay." "That's it-that's my own idea to a dot.

But then--but then----" "Yes, I know," said the Colonel; "I know they can't wait for the orders to go to New York and be cashed, but what's the reason they can't get them discounted in Hawkeye ?" "Of course they can.