CHAPTER XIIIN spite of his doubts, Montague returned to his old home, and put through the programme as agreed. Just as he had anticipated, he found that he was received as a conquering hero by the holders of the Northern Mississippi stock. He talked with old Mr. Lee, his cousin, and two or three others of his old friends, and he had no difficulty in obtaining their pledges for the new ticket. They were allinterested, and eager about the future of the road.
He did not have to concern himself with the new charter. Davenant drew up the bill, and he wrote that a nephew of Senator Harmon’s would be able to put it through without attracting any attention. All that Montague knew was that the bill passed, and was signed by the Governor.
And then came the day of the stockholders’ meeting. He atte
