"I brought you a wad of reports and things to show you how good that territory is.

You don't know what a rich pay-streak you'd open up in that part of the Sancho Hills Basin." Mr.Boise laughed with keen enjoyment.
"I don't think I need to wade through that stuff, Johnny," he admitted, having picked up from Courtney the habit of calling young Gamble by his first name.

"To tell you the truth, I sent a wireless telegram to my chief engineer yesterday afternoon, off Courtney's yacht when we connected with the Taft, and this morning I have a five-hundred-word night lettergram from him, telling me that after a thorough investigation of the situation he finds that the Sage City and the Lariat Center routes are so evenly balanced in advantage that a choice of them is really only a matter of sentiment." Johnny paused awkwardly, stumped for the first time in his life.
"I don't know how to make that kind of an argument," he confessed, to the great enjoyment of Boise.
"It is rather difficult," admitted that solidly constructed railroad president; "particularly since I personally favor the Lariat Center route." Johnny again felt very awkward.
"Can't we put this on some sort of a business basis ?" he implored.
"I don't think so," returned Mr.Boise with a cheerful smile.

"You probably couldn't influence me in the least; but that charming young lady who was with you yesterday afternoon--your sister or something, I believe, wasn't it--she might." Johnny stiffened.
"Then we don't want it," he quietly decided, and took his hat.
"That's the stuff!" yelled Boise in delight.

"You belong out West! Well, Johnny, I'm afraid you'll have to have it as a matter of sentiment, and partly on the charming young lady's account, whether you like it or not.