e matter and how,
thoroughly he had studied up the subject, theoretically and practically,
under the tuition of his friend, Mr. Lyons, they began to think that
possibly the scheme might prove of advantage to them.

After a good deal of talk--enough to have settled much more important
business--they agreed to take stock in the telegraph company, provided
Harry and his Board purchased first-class instruments and appliances.

Their idea in insisting upon this was the suggestion of their manager,
that if the boys failed in their project they might get possession of
the line and work it themselves. Consequently, with a view both to the
present success of the association and their own possible acquisition of
the line, they insisted on first-class instruments.

This determination discouraged Harry and his friends, for they had not
calculated upon making the comparatively large expenditures necessary to
procure these first-class instruments.

They had thought to buy some cheap but effective apparatus of which they
had heard, and which, for amateur purposes, answered very well.

But when the mica-mine officers agreed to contribute a sum in proportion
to the increased capital demanded, Harry became quite hopeful, and the
other members of the Board agreed that they had better work harder and
do the thing right while they were about it.

The capital of the company was fixed at one hundred and fifty dollars,
and to this the mica-mine people agreed to subscribe fifty dollars. They
also gave a written promise to give all the business of that kind that
they might have for a year from date, to Harry and his associates,
provided that the telegraphic service should always be performed
promptly and to their satisfaction.

A contract, fixing rates, etc., was drawn up, and Harry, the Directors,
the Secretary, and the Treasurer, all and severally signed it. This was
not actually necessary, but these officers, quite naturally, were
desirous of doing all the signing that came in their way.

Private subscriptions came in more slowly. Mr. Loudon gave fifteen
dollars, and Dr. Price contributed ten, as his son was a Director. Old
Mr. Truly Matthews subscribed five dollars, and hoped that he should see
his money back again; but if he didn't, he supposed it would help to
keep the boys out of mischief. Small sums were contributed by other
persons in the village and neighborhood, each of whom was furnished with
a certificate of stock proportion