“They hope and expect it will, but it may be a long time. Why should anybody go where he can get land for nothing, and that is good for nothing to him after he has got it, as he can’t sell anything from it? It is about as broad as it is long. I have no doubt there is land this side of the mountains, and wild land too, about as cheap, and where crops can be got to market.”
As no one of the family thought of questioning James as to his route, naturally supposing that he came back by the same road over which he went, he did not tell them that he turned off at the foot of the north mountain, proceeded up along the west bank of the Susquehannah, crossed it at Northumberland, and travelled for two days inspecting the country, looking over the farms and clearings, inquiring the price of land improved and wild, the price of cattle, grain, and opportunities for market, and also in relation to the state of roads, and distances from markets and the means of conveyance.
“Boys,” said Mr. Whitman, “you may take the harnesses off the horses, we’ll have a half holiday to talk with James, and it would be too bad to put old Frank into the team the first day he came home.”
It was a matter of necessity that James should (after conversing with Mr. Whitman, and telling him all the news in regard to his brother’s family) go directly to Mr. Conly’s, carry letters, and tell him and his wife everything in relation to their daughter, her husband and the grandchildren, interesting for them to know. It was, however, not accomplished that afternoon or even in the evening, of which it consumed a large portion, but required so many evenings that at length it began to attract attention.
“James goes to the Conlys a great deal. Do you think he has any particular reason?” said Mr. Whitman to his wife.
“I don’t know. Mr. Conly’s was the first place he ever went to; he and Edward are great friends; always have been. The master, you know, worked here all one summer and has always tried to help James from the start. I think it would be strange if he didn’t go there a good deal, especially as he goes nowhere else.”
“I know all that, but I am of the same mind still.”
“Bertie knows; I mean to ask him.”
Mrs. Whitman interrogated Bertie, but though generally so communicative, he was all at once very reticent.
“Bertie, your father and myself are the best friends James has in the world, and your father is able to help James if he is so minded. If there is anything in this, you know and ought to tell us, for it will go no farther.”