Finally West came to them himself with a proposition.
He had discovered a chance to make a good deal of money by purchasing an extensive pine forest near Almaquo, just across the border in Canada.
West had taken an option on the property, when he found by accident that the Pierce-Lane Lumber Company was anxious to get hold of the tract and cut the timber on a royalty that would enable the owners to double their investment." "Howld on a jiffy!" cried the Major, excitedly.

"Did I understand you to say the Pierce-Lane Lumber Company ?" "That was the firm, sir.

I used to overhear my father and Will Thompson talking about this matter; but I must admit my knowledge is somewhat imperfect, because I never was allowed to ask questions.

I remember learning the fact that West had not enough money to swing his option, and so urged his friends to join him.

Relying upon West's judgment, they put all their little fortunes into the deal, although Thompson grumbled at doing so, because he claimed he had another investment that was better, and this matter of West's would prevent him from undertaking it.
The Almaquo tract was purchased, and a contract made with the lumber company to cut the timber and pay them a royalty of so much a thousand feet.