If necessary we'll start in as helpers to the chainmen, and we have pride enough to walk back over the trail at any moment when you decide that we're no good.

We have traveled all the way from the east, and I trust, sir, that you'll give us a fair chance to show if we know anything." "It won't take long to find that out," replied Mr.Thurston gravely.
"Of course you both understand that we are doing real engineering work and haven't any time to instruct amateurs or be patient with them." "We don't want instruction, Mr.Thurston," Hazelton broke in.
"We want work, and when we get it we'll do it." "I hope your work will be as good as your assurance," replied the chief engineer, with a slight twinkle in his eyes.

"What can you do ?" "We know how to do ordinary surveying, sir," Tom replied quickly.
"We can run our courses and supervise the chaining.

We know how to bring in field notes that are of some use.

We can do our work well within the limits of error allowed by the United States Government.