The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-02-21
HOW THE RAILROAD CAME TO
 BARNESTON,
BY FRANK H. srAuFrRR.

former and the latter were two small towns, Barneston and Shenstone, both of which made strenuous efforts to have the branch line pass through their place Shenstone was the larger and wealthier of the two the business men subscribed Iberally to the stock, and were in great glee when the surveyors made their ap- Pearance in the town.
 The inhabitants of Barneston were cor respondingly disappointed, and gave up ment, their village was finally selected and Shenstone left in the lurch: and they were still further amazed when they learned that it had been brought abou, by boy to whom they had never given much credit either for shrewdness or tenacity.
 His name was Fred Sedgwick, and he was not more than I4 years old. He was an observant fellow, however, and gen. crafty arrived at correct conclusions. An idea had seiz d him, in connection with the rivalry between the two towns it was a practical idea, and he determined to make the most oft.
 A gentleman stopped at the only hotel in the place, one hot summer afternoon. Hrs name was Lynch, and he was the chief engineer oi the surveying party. When Fred heard of his arrival he coacluded to call upon him, and found him seated upon one of the porc1es o the hotel.
 wish to talk to you about the pro- posed railroad, sir" Fred said, remov. jag his hat, his :oae and attitude re spectiul.
 The surveyor was genial man, and was especially partial to boys Heglanced into Fred's honest face, and said, with an encouraging smile:
 It is to be an interview, eh? We'll consider me at your leisure"
 believe it has been decided to ruE the road through Shenstone," remarked Fred, without any preliminary skirmish ing.
 pie have agreed to take S75 GOO worth of stock, and have offered to present us with lot of gro md fer station. They have even promised to furnish the stone to build it. Barneston's sleepy old place, you see."
 Well, may be it is," tardily assented Fred That is all the more reason why 1t ought to be wakened up. Won't it cost a great deal to take the road to Shen. stone2 h the way of deep cuts and trestle-work, mean
 "A great deal my boy" replied the surveyor.
 "More than i. would to bring i, along that ridge, yonder% asked Fred, point ing.
 Considerably more, sir"
 "More than the S75 900 subscribed by the people of Shenstone 2" pei sisted Fred
 At least as much. was the answer he received.
 He was silent for a minute, an in tensely thoughtful look upon his face. Mr. Lynch watched him, impressed with his appearance and his direct way of get ting ai thing.
 There will be water station ?" asked Fred.
 ooh, yes; we must have water. We can get 1t from the mill pond"
 By forcing it up the hill ?"
 "Yes."
 That will cost a great deal won'ti,7"
 The pla.t will"
 " The plant? ?" replied Fred, a trife puzziei.
 The machinery, my boy The tanks, stationary engine, pumps and so on."
 There must be man to run the en- gine, suggested Fred.
 Suppose there vas a big spring oH that hill wonder 2" Fred ask. q repress- ing in excitement Suppose the water could be brought here by pipes, in a natural f,w, and no plant necessary ? Wo1.d taa. bs worth coas;sering?"
 Eh" exclaimed Mir. Lynch, sud denly interested, and surpassed at the boys brightness Is there such a spring?"
 There is, declared Fred. "And the water can be brought here by its own gravitation.n
 "What you say is indeed worth taking into consideration" Mir. Lynch said, as he stared directly in front of him. "That, and the jess expensive character oi the route, would more than otFses what the Shenstone people have to offex.D
 Suppose we subscribed $so GOO here at Bameston r Fred asked, h,s eyes sparkling. "That ought to bring us the 1 road, dont you think {" @ It would a, least reopen the hearing" admitted Mir. Lynch.
 He laughed softly over the pronouns we and us which Fred had used. It was 1 a declaration of citizenship an intima- ton that he was bound to be identified | with the progress of the town.
 Can the spring be bought P the sur veyor asked.
 "l am afraid not" replied Fred. sh can be leased, however" For o99 years ?' "Is that the way it's doner'
 Yes" Why don't they make it the even thousand?7
 :" It wouldn't do to seem too grasping," replied MT. Lynch, laughing. "Now, my boy. as you have presented an idea that looks eminently practical, I do net propose to allow anybody to deprive you of the credit of it. l will be here one week from to-day. when you can report psogress."