"He has a great deal of influence, especially in the East."

"But this is the West--and I don't care much for Gretzinger, besides,"
he stated.

"So he says. More than once he has wished you would be more friendly.
Isn't it a little inconsiderate of you, Lee, to hold him off at arm's
length, especially when he's here as representative of the
bondholders? He has a vital interest in the canal and its success.
Really, I think he might be of great help if you'd permit. And it
would be of great advantage to us in the future, his friendship and
that of the men behind him, for they are wealthy and influential.
That's one reason why you ought to cultivate him, Lee."

"Go on," said he, as she paused.

"Well, I thought we should discuss the matter. I'm of the opinion that
you misunderstand him. You'll not deny that he's a man of ability."

"No--though I know little of him."

"He is, though, Lee. And an engineer of high standing, too, and of
experience. Wouldn't it be wise to consult him a little more than you
do? He has talked to me at times about the project and has, I believe,
ideas you could use. For instance, he says that if you made certain
changes in the canal there would be a considerable saving of money, by
which the stockholders would benefit, you among them. He says that if
in certain places wood were used instead of concrete it would mean
thousands of dollars in your pocket."