It was decided to have Cowperwood come and explain to the full board just what his plan was, and this he did in a long, bland, smiling talk.

It was made plain that the road would have to be put in shape in the near future, and that this proposed plan relieved all of them of work, worry, and care.

Moreover, they were guaranteed more interest at once than they had expected to earn in the next twenty or thirty years.

Thereupon it was agreed that Cowperwood and his plan should be given a trial.

Seeing that if he did not succeed in paying the proposed interest promptly the property once more became theirs, so they thought, and that he assumed all obligations--taxes, water rents, old claims, a few pensions--it appeared in the light of a rather idyllic scheme.
"Well, boys, I think this is a pretty good day's work myself," observed Anthony Ewer, laying a friendly hand on the shoulder of Mr.Albert Thorsen.