omes someone I know," Jack observed. "The big man in front--Burke,
a real estate agent."

The tall, heavy-featured man passed them and took the seat immediately
behind.

"He didn't speak to you," commented Alex.

"I'm glad he didn't. He's no friend; just knew him, I meant," responded
Jack. "He is a proper shark, they say. I know he practically did a widow
out of a bit of property just back of ours.

"And here is another, same business, from the next town. And not much
better," Jack went on, as a short, bustling, sharp-featured man appeared.

The man behind them stood up and called, "Hi, there, Mitchell! Here!" The
newcomer waved his hand, came forward quickly, and also dropped into the
seat at the rear of the two boys.

"Nice pair of hawks," said Jack. "I'll bet they are hatching up something
with a shady side to it. I'd be tempted to listen if I could."

As the train was again under way, Jack had no opportunity of overhearing
what was being said behind them. A few miles farther, however, they came
once more to a stop, and almost immediately he pricked up his ears and
nudged Alex.

"... don't believe the ignorant dolt knows the real value of butter and
eggs." It was the deep voice of the bigger man, Burke. "He's one of those
queer ducks, without any friends. Lives there all by himself, doesn't
read the papers, and only comes to town about once a month. No; there's
not one chance in ten of his waking up and getting onto it."

"You always were a lucky dog," declared the other. "If you land it you
ought to clear fifty thousand inside of five years."

"A hundred. I intend holding for a cold hundred thousand. There has been
talk of the town building a steam plant already; but water is of course
away ahead of that, and they are sure to swing to it. And this fall is
the only one within ten miles of Haddowville."

"Didn't I tell you!" exclaimed Jack in a whisper. "Doing somebody out of
something, whatever it is."

"You might build the plant yourself, and hold the town up for whatever
you wished," the second speaker went on.

"Yes, I could. But I prefer the ready cash. That has always been my plan
of doing business. No; I figure on disposing of the farm just as it
stands, either to the town, or a corporation, for an even hundred
thousand."

"Does that give you a clue, Jack?" Alex asked.

Jack shook his head. At the next remark, however, he sharply gripped
Alex's arm.

"What fall has the stream there?"

"For