Meantime Keith had not been idle.

Surveys and plats had been made, and everything done to facilitate placing the Rawson properties on the market.
When old man Rawson came to New Leeds now, he made Keith's little office his headquarters, and much quaint philosophy Keith learned from him.
"I reckon it's about time to try our cattle in the New York market," he said at length to Keith.

It was a joke he never gave up.

"You go up there and look around, and if you have any trouble send for me." So, taking his surveys and reports and a few letters of introduction Keith went to New York.
Only one thought marred Keith's joy: the dearest aim he had so long had in view had disappeared.

The triumph of standing before Alice Yorke and offering her the reward of his endeavor was gone.