"I didn't expect you to propose anything like this." "Well," said Mr.Martin, rising, "I must be off.

I had only a few minutes to spare, but I thought I had better come and make you this proposition.

I think you had better lay it before your Board of Managers as soon as possible, and if you will take my advice, as a business man, you'll accept our offer." So saying, he bid Harry good-by, took off his hat to Kate, who was still looking out of the window, mounted his horse, and rode away.
There was a meeting of the Board of Managers of the Crooked Creek Telegraph Company that afternoon.

It was a full meeting, for Harry sent hasty messengers to those he called the "out-lying members." A more astonished body of officials has seldom been seen than was our Board when Harry laid the proposition of Mr.Martin before it.
But the boys were not so much amazed that they could not jump at this wonderful opportunity and in a very short time it was unanimously voted to accept the proposition of the mica-mine people, and to build the great line.
Almost as soon as this important vote had been taken, the meeting adjourned, and the members hurried to their several homes to carry the news.
"We'll have to change our name," said Tom Selden to Harry.

"We ought to call our company 'The United States Mica and Hetertown Lightning Express Line,' or something big like that." "Yes," replied Harry.