The doctor did not seem to care about pressing this point, however,
and said somewhat impatiently:
"Well, whoever it was who gave you this information, it was false,
and I will prove to you that we have every authority for going on
with this work and that it will not injure you in the least."
Dr. Wise then produced maps, letters and other documents and proceeded
to enforce his point.
The men seemed little interested, however, and several of them went
away while the doctor was stating his case, the big man at length
saying in a surly tone as he turned away:
"That's all right, go on with yer old road, but I'd just like-----"
and he went away muttering, followed by the greater part of the men
still remaining, some having already left.
"Ha! very strange, quite incomprehensible, yes, yes," said the
doctor. "Well, well! I really can't---well, never mind. Go on
with your work, young gentlemen. I do not think it will again be
interfered with."
Percival had not waited for the word to go ahead, but had already
set up his theodolite while the doctor was explaining matters to
the men, and had taken a number of sights, set his first bench mark
and was getting his boys to work, Jack being ready to follow behind
with his levelers as soon as the work ahead was far enough advanced.
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