It was a fortunate thing for the Board that, on account of the sickness
of the teacher, the vacation commenced earlier than usual in Akeville
that year.

More than a week passed, and no word from New York. No wonder the boys
became impatient. It had been a month, or more, since the scheme had
been first broached in the village, and nothing had yet been done--at
least, nothing to which the boys could point as evidence of progress.

The field of operation had been thoroughly explored. The pine trees
which were to serve as telegraph poles had been selected, and contracts
had been made with "One-eyed Lewston," a colored preacher, who lived
near the creek on the Akeville side, and with Aunt Judy, who had a log
house on the Hetertown side, by which these edifices were to be used as
telegraphic stations. The instruments and batteries, when not in use,
were to be locked up in stationary cases, made by the Akeville
carpenter, after designs by Harry.

Of course, while waiting for the arrival of their goods from New York,
the Board met every day. Having little real business, their discussions
were not always harmonious.

George Purvis grew discontented. Several times he said to Brandeth Price
and Harvey Ogden that he didn't see why he shouldn't be something more
than a mere Director, and a remark that Harvey once made, that if Harry
and Kate had not chosen to ask him to join them he would not have been
even a Director, made no impression upon him.

One day, when a meeting was in session by the roadside, near "One-eyed