“But isn't it true?” Clementine argued.
“No, because the squatter might not intend to steal. He might mistakenly take land which belongs to some one else. The intention is what makes the action a theft or not,” Mrs. Darrell explained.
“But why should they make such mistakes? Ain't somebody there to say to whom the land belongs?” Master Willie inquired.
“Yes, but that somebody might not be believed, Master Willie, and there is where the shoe pinches,” Webster explained.
“Ah!” was Willie's exclamation, and he became thoughtful.
“I give it up,” said Clementine with a sigh, making them all laugh.
“That is a very wise resolve,” Darrell observed.
“I've got it, papa,” Willie's voice again was heard saying.
“Well, what have you got?” his father asked.
“The government ought to say first to whom the land belongs, and not let anybody take a single acre until the government says it is public land. Isn't that the way you say, Clarence?”