“Sedgwick. Said he was your secretary, but that we were to keep this mission a secret. Said it would be a problem if the railroad men found out, because they thought their route was better. But I could see it wasn’t. They didn’t check with folks who’d lived in that area for a long time. I grew up there as a boy. Besides that, I know just by looking at land where you can get some bedrock and stability. It’s a gift I have, and it’s allowed me to lay some of the best railroads around.”

“And Mr. Sedgwick told you that I had ordered this new route?”

“Yes, sir.”

After listening to Sanders for the next twenty minutes, Luke finally had a clearer picture in his mind. Theodore Sedgwick had approached the older man and hired him on Luke’s behalf. He told Sanders that there was grave concern about the line, and Sanders agreed to look over the route. Sedgwick wasn’t as drunk as the man thought, however, because Luke was certain Theodore had meant for the line to fail. Thank God Sanders believed otherwise.

“You’ve saved the railroad millions of dollars, and I will see that you receive an ample reward.” Luke got to his feet. “I’ve also got a job proposition for you, Sanders. I’m overseeing the Northern Pacific start-up. We’re having a devil of a time finding decent ground for this railroad as well. Maybe you could help us out?”

“Well, I am retired. I don’t know that my wife would appreciate me taking on another job. She was happy with the money from the last job, but I don’t know about another.”

“I promise to make it more than worth your while. Name your price.”

“Let me talk to the missus, and I’ll get back to you.” Sanders grinned. “I like the idea of naming my price.”

Luke turned to Archie. “I appreciate you bringing Mr. Sanders to meet with me, Archie. You deserve a bonus as well.”

“Just happy to see that we’ve got a solid line, Boss. I’m delighted not to have to dig up all that track again and start fresh.”

“You and me both.”

Luke heard the front door open. Hopefully that would be Sedgwick and he could confront him with what he’d done. Maybe he hadn’t done it for a bad reason. Maybe he remembered the areas that often flooded from his childhood and had worried the line was in jeopardy.

They made their way into the outer office as Sedgwick was hanging up his coat and hat. When he turned and saw Sanders, however, his face paled, and a look of guilt washed over him. When his gaze met Luke’s, Luke knew for certain that Sedgwick had meant the deed only for harm.

“Mr. Sedgwick, I believe you know Mr. Sanders and, of course, Archie.”

“Ah . . . yes. Good day, gentlemen.”