CHAPTER XVI.

COMPANY BUSINESS.


After the selection of the Directors, all of whom accepted their
appointments with great readiness, although, with the exception of Tom
Selden, none of them had known anything about the company until informed
by Harry of their connection with its management, it remained only to
get subscriptions to the capital stock, and then the construction of the
line might immediately begin.

Harry and Kate made out a statement of the probable expense, and a very
good statement it was, for, as Harry had said, he had thoroughly studied
up the matter, aided by the counsel of Mr. Lyons, the operator at
Hetertown.

This statement, with the probable profits and the great advantages of
such a line, was written out by Harry, and the Secretary, considering
all clerical work to be her especial business, made six fair copies, one
of which was delivered to each of the Board of Directors, who undertook
to solicit subscriptions.

A brief constitution was drawn up, and by a clause in this instrument,
one-quarter of the profits were to go to the stockholders and the rest
to Aunt Matilda.

The mica-mine men, when visited by Harry, who carried a letter from his
father, at first gave the subject but little consideration, but after