In a second a score of men were about him, and more than a score were rushing in his direction with a sound that brought him quickly to his senses. Fortunately two men with cool heads were near by. With a spring Keith and a short, stout young fellow with gray eyes were making their way to his side, dragging men back, throwing them aside, expostulating, ordering, and, before anything else had happened than the tearing of his coat half off of his back, Wickersham found himself with Keith and Dave Dennison standing in front of him, defending him against the angry revellers. The determined air of the two officers held the assailants in check long enough for them to get their attention, and, after a moment, order was restored on condition that Wickersham should "apologize to the lady and leave town." This Wickersham, well sobered by the handling he had received, was willing to do, and he was made to walk up and offer a humble apology to Terpsichore, who accepted it with but indifferent grace. * * * * * That winter the railroad reached Gumbolt, and Gumbolt, or New Leeds, as it was now called, sprang at once, so to speak, from a chrysalis to a full-fledged butterfly with wings unfolding in the sun of prosperity. Lands that a year or two before might have been had for a song, and mineral rights that might have been had for less than a song, were now held at fabulous prices. Keith was sitting at his table, one day, writing, when there was a heavy step outside, and Squire Rawson walked in on him. When all matters of mutual interest had been talked over, the squire broached the real object of his visit; at least, he began to approach it. He took out his pipe and filled it. "Well, it's come," he said. "What has come?" "The railroad. That young man Rhodes said 'twas comin', and so it's done. He was something of a prophet." The old fellow chuckled softly and lit his pipe. "That there friend of yours, Mr. Wickersham, is been down here ag'in. Kind o' hangs around. What's he up to?" Keith laughed. "Well, it's pretty hard to tell what Wickersham is up to,--at least, by what he says,--especially when you don't tell me what he is doing." The old man looked pleased. Keith had let him believe that he did not know what he was talking of, and had expressed an opinion in which he agreed. "That's what I think. Well, it's about my land up here." Keith looked relived. "Has he made you another offer for it?"