The particular fault found with one of these sections was the
alleged steepness of the grade, and as Neale had been the surveyor
in charge, he soon heard of his poor work. He went over his figures
and notes with the result that he called on Henney and absolutely
swore that the grade was right. Henney swore too, in a different and
more forcible way, but he agreed with Neale and advised him to call
upon the expert commissioners.
Neale did so, and found them, with one exception, open to
conviction. The exception was a man named Allison Lee. The name Lee
gave Neale a little shock. He was a gray-looking man, with lined
face, and that concentrated air which Neale had learned to associate
with those who were high in the affairs of the U. P.
Neale stated that his business was to show that his work had been
done right, and he had the figures to prove it. Mr. Lee replied that
the survey was poor and would have to be done over.
"Are you a surveyor?" queried Neale, sharply, with the blood beating
in his temples.
"I have some knowledge of civil engineering," replied the
commissioner.
"Well, it can't be very much," declared Neale, whose temper was up.
"Young man, be careful what you say," replied the other.
"But Mr.--Mr. Lee--listen to me, will you?" burst out Neale.
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