"Glad you like it, sir," said the colonel, following his gaze. "I'm fond of the place myself."
"But your public affairs are in a terrible condition, Colonel Kerry."
"I agree with you."
"Why don't the people rise up, and demand their rights?" enquired Jarrod, curiously.
"Simply because they're here for rest and enjoyment, and not to get mixed up in law-suits and contentions."
"But their vested rights are being disregarded."
"To be sure. That is no secret, sir. But our cottage owners are mostly business men who come here each year for two or three months of rest and relaxation, and conditions which they would fight bitterly at home they here tamely submit to, rather than risk involving their vacations in turmoil and trouble. That's human nature, Mr. Jarrod."
"Perhaps so," said Jarrod, doubtfully. To him a fight was recreation, but others might feel differently about it.
"And it's the salvation of Easton and Wilder," continued the colonel. "As long as people can enjoy the sweet, fresh air, the grateful bathing, the fishing and boating and other recreations, they won't bother about their rights. I feel that way myself. No man knows better than I how our people have been despoiled, for I've been here many years and at one time owned an interest in the place myself. But others know the truth as well as I do, and if my neighbors prefer to submit, surely I am not called upon to fight their battles for them."
"Why did you sell out your interest?" asked Jarrod.