If it cuts right across there it can go to Washington much quicker.

Why, I should think by all means that the route by way of Sage City and Salt Pool would be the best!" Mr.Boise surveyed her with joyous eyes and chuckled until his breast heaved.

"It might be," he admitted with a friendly glance at Johnny.
"One big advantage," urged Johnny, "is that it would be an all-level route, with solid ground and but very little grading," and he plunged with breathless energy into the task of convincing Mr.Boise that the Sage City and Salt Pool route was the only feasible one.
They discussed that topic for two solid hours, but before the first thirty minutes had elapsed Johnny had unconsciously reached over into Constance's lap and had taken one of her hands.

There seemed to be nothing in particular that she could do about it, so she let him keep it, and he used it occasionally to gesture with.

What difference did it make if Courtney and Boise did smile about it at first?
When the railroad party had been dispersed by Winnie--who had constituted herself rigid master of the revels--Constance and Johnny found themselves tete-a-tete up in the prow for just a tiny moment.
"Do you suppose he'll decide on the Sage City and Salt Pool route ?" she anxiously inquired.
"I hope so," declared Johnny.