"The autumn months are the finest of the year."
"No rain?"
"Frequently the atmosphere is dry and free from moisture for several weeks."
"Is your winter exceptionally hard?"
"For the matter of that," replied Ranger, "much depends upon constitution. Without doubt it is cold, but there is usually very little wind, and almost constant sunshine; there is no snowfall to any great depth, and traffic is but slightly impeded. In fact, the general dryness of the air causes it to be exceedingly bracing and healthy."
"I suppose you consider it superior to that of the Old Country?"
"Decidedly I do! Experience would tell me that, but the testimony of our Officer of Health goes to confirm it. Listen to what he says," added Ranger, as he took down a little book from the slender stock on the shelf by his side: "'We are absolutely protected by our climatic conditions from several of the most dangerous and fatal diseases, whilst others, which are common to all peoples on the face of the earth, are comparatively rare.'"
"Your favourable description, added to my own brief experience, so charms me, that I feel very much like staying where I am," said Fellows.
"Well, friend, if you are really so minded I daresay we can manage to fix you," was Ranger's rejoinder.
"I am extremely grateful for your kind reception, and courteous treatment, of a perfect stranger, as well as for your further promise and all that it implies; but unless I can be made of some use by you I shall certainly object to becoming a burden here."