"Of course," she went on, "I have heard father's friends talking."

Harvey smiled.

"You puzzle me," he remarked.

"Why should any one wish to get control of your road?"

"Because there is coal on the line."

"Is Mr. Weeks firmly in control?"

Harvey leaned over the oars.

"I wish I knew--" he hesitated. "Are we good friends?"

"I can speak for myself."

"Why are you interested in this business?"

"Because--well, I will tell you the truth. Of course I know that father
and Mr. Weeks are--I suppose you would call it fighting. Father doesn't
understand how I could ask you down to-day."

"I am glad you did."

"I wanted you to feel that--you see we have been good friends, and it
would be too bad to let a thing like this--don't you understand?"