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
Lewston's" cabin--or the Akeville telegraph station, as I should
say--George and Harry had a slight dispute, and Purvis took occasion to
give vent to some of his dissatisfaction.

"I don't see what you're President for, anyway," said he to Harry.
"After the Board of Directors had been organized it ought to have
elected all the officers."

"But none of you fellows knew anything about the business," said Harry.
"Kate and I got up the company, and we needn't have had a Board of
Directors at all, if we hadn't wanted to. If any of you boys had known
anything about telegraphs we would have given you an office."

"I reckon you don't have to know anything about telegraphs to be
Secretary, or Treasurer either," said George, warmly.

"No," answered Harry, "but you've got to know how to keep accounts and
to be careful and particular."

"Like your sister Kate, I suppose," said George, with a sneer.

"Yes, like Kate," answered Harry.

"I'd be ashamed of myself," said George, "if I couldn't get a better
Secretary or Treasurer than a girl. I don't see what a girl is doing in
the company, anyway. The right kind of a girl wouldn't be seen pushing
herself in among a lot of boys that don't want her."

Without another word, the President of the Crooked Creek Telegraph
Company arose and offered battle to George Purvis. The contest was a
severe one, for Purvis was a tall fellow, but Harry was as tough as the
sole of your boot, and he finally laid his antagonist on the flat of his
back in the road.

George arose, put on his hat, dusted off his clothes, and resigned his
position in the Board.

CHAPTER XVII.

PRINCIPALLY CONCERNING KATE.

During all this work of soliciting subscriptions, ordering instruments
and batteries, and leasing stations, Kate had kept pretty much in the
background. True, she had not been idle. She had covered a great deal of
paper with calculations, and had issued certificates of stock, all in
her own plain handwriting, to those persons who had put mo