He did not think it would cost very much. If this telegraph line only
extended across the creek, not more than half a mile of wire, at the
utmost, would be required.

Nothing need be expended for poles, as there were tall pine-trees on
each side of the creek that would support the wire; and there were two
cabins, conveniently situated, in which the instruments could be placed.

Harry had thoroughly considered all these matters, having been down to
the creek several times on purpose to take observations.

The procuring of the telegraphic instruments, however, and the necessity
of having an operator on the other side, presented difficulties not easy
to surmount.

But Harry did not despair.

To be sure the machines would cost money, and so would the wire,
insulators, etc., but then the mica company would surely be willing to
pay a good price to have their messages transmitted at times when
otherwise they would have to send a man twenty miles to a telegraphic
station.

So if the money could be raised it would pay to do it--at least if the
calculations, with which Harry and Kate had been busy for days, should
prove to be correct.

About the operator on the other side, Harry scarcely knew what to think.
If it were necessary to hire any one, that would eat terribly into the
profits.