? ? ? ? "The next question is as to the route it will take," went on the squire. "Upon that point I should like to offer a few suggestions."
? ? ? ? "I shall be glad to receive them. In fact, I may say that my report will probably be accepted, and I shall be glad to consult you."
? ? ? ? "Thank you. I appreciate the compliment you pay me, and, though I say it, I don't think you could find any one more thoroughly conversant with the lay of the land and the most advisable route to follow. If you will put on your hat we will go out together and I will give you my views."
? ? ? ? "I shall be glad to do so."
? ? ? ? The two gentlemen took a leisurely walk through the village, going by Cyrus Hooper's house on the way.
? ? ? ? "In my view," said the squire, "the road should go directly through this farm a little to the north of the house."
? ? ? ? The squire proceeded to explain his reasons for the route he recommended.
? ? ? ? "To whom does the farm belong?" asked Caldwell, with a shrewd glance at the squire.
? ? ? ? "To an old man named Cyrus Hooper."
? ? ? ? "Ahem! Perhaps he would be opposed to the road passing so near his house.
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