"There, that's the first exhibit. That shows us on our way to builda railroad."

"You did not get yourself in it, Billy," exclaimed Jack as they went on.

"There isn't room on the plate for him; he's too portly," remarkedyoung Smith, who carried a pair of signal flags and a pole. "Youwould need a hugeger lens to get Billy on the plate."

The boys went on at a good gait and at length were surprised byhearing a considerable noise in front of them, loud and mad voicesof men being the principal part of the disturbance.

"Hello! there is trouble ahead," cried Harry. "I wonder what it isall about?"

"We will find out in a few minutes," said Jack, hurrying forward,the others quickly following.

In a short time they came to a little station in the woods, notmuch more than a shack, by the way, and here they saw Percivaland his gang opposed by a number of men of rough appearance, whowere talking in loud and mad tones and with threatening gestures.