His father was asked after, and a number of questions about Gumbolt were put to him.

Then Mr.Wickersham came to the point.

He had a high regard for his father, he said, and having heard that Gordon was living in Gumbolt, where they had some interests, it had occurred to him that he might possibly be able to give him a position.

The salary would not be large at first, but if he showed himself capable it might lead to something better.
Keith was thrilled, and declared that what he most wanted was work and opportunity to show that he was able to work.

Mr.Wickersham was sure of this, and informed him briefly that it was outdoor work that they had for him--"the clearing up of titles and securing of such lands as we may wish to obtain," he added.
This was satisfactory to Keith, and he said so.
Mr.Wickersham's shrewd eyes had a gleam of content in them.
"Of course, our interest will be your first consideration ?" he said.
"Yes, sir; I should try and make it so." "For instance," proceeded Mr.Wickersham, "there are certain lands lying near our lands, not of any special value; but still you can readily understand that as we are running a railroad through the mountains, and are expending large sums of money, it is better that we should control lands through which our line will pass." Keith saw this perfectly.