Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1891-04-22
AN AMBITIOUS BOY.

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were two small towns, Barneston and
Shrenstone, both Of which made
strenuous efforts to have the branch
line pass through their place. Shren-
stone was the larger and wealthier Of
the two; the business men subscribed
literally to the stock, and were in
great glee when the surveyors made
their appearance in the town.
The inhabitants of Barpeston were
correspondingly disappointed, and
gave up the fight. But, much to
their amazement, their village was
finally selected and Shrenstone left in
the lurch and they were still further
amazed when they learned that it had
been brought about 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 IA years old.
He was an obseryant fellow, however,
and generally arrived at correct con-
illusions. An idea had seized him, in
connection with the rivalry between
the two towns; it was practical
idea, and he determined to make the
most of it.
A gentleman stopped at the only
hotel in the place. one hot summer
afternoon. His name was Lynch,
and he was the chief engineer of the
surveying party. When Fred heard
of his arrival he concluded to call up
on him, and found him seated upon
one of the porches of the hotel.
II wish to talk to you about the
proposed railroad, sir" Fred said, re.
moving his hat, his tone and attitude
respectful.
The surveyor was a genial man,
and was especially partial to boys.
He glanced into Fred's honest face,
and said with an encouraging smile:
ut is to be an interview, eh Z?
Well, consider me at your leisure"
Il believe it has been decided to
run the road through Shrenstone,"
remarked Fred, without any prelimin-
airy skirmishing.
EYES," replied Mr.. Lynch. "The
people have agreed to take $1,000
worth of stock, and have offered to
present us with lot of ground for a
station. They have even promised
to furnish the stone to build it. Barn.
eston's sleepy old place, you see."
well, may be it is" tardily assent
ed Fred. "That is all the more
reason why it ought to be wakened
up. Won't it cost a great deal to
take the road to Shenstone In the
way of deep cuts and trestle-work, l
mean p
"A great deal, my boy" replied the
surveyor.
"More than it would to bring it
along the ridge, yonder ?" asked Fred
pointing.
Considerably more, sir"
More than the $4,000 subscribed
by the people of Shenstone p persist
ed Fred.
AT least as much" was the answer
he received
He was silent for a minute, an in
teDsely thoughtful look upon his face.
Mr.. Lynch watched him, impressed
with his appearance and his direct
way of getting at thing.
There will be water station ?"
asked Fred.
ooh, yes; we must have water.
We can get it from the mill pond"
by forcing it up the hill ?"
Eyes"
THAT will cost great deal, won't
it?"
THE plant will"
"The plant" replied Fred, trife
puzzled.
THE machinery, my boy. The
tanks, stationary engine, pumps and
so on"
"There must be a man to run the
engine" suggested Fred.
Eyes"
Suppose there was big spring on
the hill yonderf" Fred asked repress.
ing his excitement. Suppose the
water could be brought here by pipes,
in natural flow, and no plant nee
essary' Would that be worth con-
sidering?"
"Eh exclaimed Mr.. Lynch, sud-
denly interested, and surprised at the
boys brightness. as there such a
spring p
There u.s." declared Fred. "And
the water can be brought here by its
own gravitation."
What you say is indeed worth
taking into consideration" NJ. Lynch
said, as he stared directly in front of