He said he would think the matter over, which was another way of saying he would do nothing more than think of it.
Jack and Fred were present at this interview, and listened with keen attention to the discussion of the Western purchase.

By and by Fred gave his chum a significant look, and, excusing themselves to their parents, they passed out of the room and up stairs to the sleeping-quarters of Fred.

The door was carefully closed behind them, and, drawing their chairs close together, they talked in low tones, as if some dreadful penalty would follow a discovery of what was passing between them.

Had any one been able to see the two attractive countenances, he would not have had to be told that the same thought was in the mind of each.
"I tell you, Jack," said Fred, with impressive solemnity, "it would be a shame; it will never do; we must not allow it." "Allow what ?" "Why you heard your father say that he never expected to go out to Wyoming to look at that ranch he has bought." "I could have told you that much, without waiting for him to say it.

It will be just like him to give it away for a song." "And who knows but that it contains valuable gold or silver mines?
I have heard of treasures being bought in that way." "That may be," was the thoughtful response of Jack, "though I believe most of Wyoming--that is the valleys and plains--is a grazing country." "I don't know much about the country, but I have read enough to learn that the greatest discoveries of gold and silver have been in places where no one expected to find them.