“We will boom this, our native, city. If possible, I hope to get the streets cleaned up and a railroad, and mayhap in time lamp-posts. This region has ever been known for its great and fine natural resources, but we have been astounded, you might say astonished, in recent visits to see its naked and crude immensities, which far exceeds our most sanguine expectations. So confident are we that a few of our most highly respectable citizens have, at the instigation of the Editor of ‘The Opp Eagle,’ bought up the land lying between Turtle Creek and the river, and as soon as a little more capital has been accumulated, intend to open up a oil proposition that will astonish the eyes of the natives!
“In all candor, we truly believe this favored region of ours to have no equal in underground wealth nowhere upon this terrestrial earth, albeit we are not of globe-trotter stock nor tribe. We will [p95] endeavor to induce the home people to copy after the wise example of a few of our leading citizens and buy up oil rights before the kings of Bonanzas from the Metropolitan cities discover our treasure and wrench it from our grasp. ‘The Opp Eagle’ will, moreover, stand for temperance and reform. We will hurl grape and cannister into the camps of the saloonatics until they flee the wrath to come. Will also publish a particular statement of all social entertainments, including weddings, parties, church socials, and funerals. In conclusion, would say that we catch this first opportunity to thank you in collective manner herein for the welcome you have ordained ‘The Opp Eagle.’”
Mr. Opp came to a close and waited for applause; nor was he disappointed.
“Gee! I wish I could write like that!” said Nick, rising on his elbow. “I can do the printing all right, and hustle around for the news; but I never know how to put on the trimmings.”
Mr. Opp laid a hand upon his shoulder; [p96] he was fast developing a fondness for the youth.
“It’s a gift,” he said sympathetically, “that I am afraid, my boy, nobody can’t learn you.”
“Can I come in?” said a voice from outside, and Mr. Gallop peeped around the open door.
“Walk in,” cried Mr. Opp, while Nick sprang to his feet. “We are just by way of finishing up the work at hand, and have a few minutes of spare leisure.”
“I just wanted to know if you’d help us get up a town band,” said Mr. Gallop. “I told the boys you’d be too busy, but they made me come. I asked Mr. Fallows if you was musical; but I wouldn’t repeat what he said.”
“Oh, Jimmy is just naturally humoristic,” said Mr. Opp. “Go along and tell me what he remarked.”