“They are mostly an ignorant set,” remarked Mr. Short; “the foreign portion know so little about our government that they believe the lying assertions of their hierarchy that it is the worst and most despotic in the world.”
“Whereas, it is the very best and freest!” exclaimed Max indignantly. “Isn’t it, papa?”
“Certainty, my boy,” returned the captain, smiling at the lad’s heat.
Mr. Short smiled too, and giving Max an approving look, remarked that he liked nothing better than to see boys full of patriotism.
“I wouldn’t be my father’s son if I didn’t love my country,” said Max.
“Like father, like son, eh?” laughed Short. “Well, it is very apt to be the case.”
“There’s a cattle ranch I must take you to see, Captain,” pointing in a southwesterly direction, where, far in the distance, might be dimly discerned a dwelling with out-buildings, and herds of cattle grazing near by. “It’s too far for us to go to-night, but some time next week, perhaps, it may suit your plans to ride out there, and I think you will find it pay to do so, as I understand you want to learn all about this region of country.”
The captain assented to the proposal, adding that he thought it was now time to turn their horses’ heads toward home.
CHAPTER XII.
Tea was not quite ready when they arrived at their boarding-house, and they sat on the porch while waiting for it, Captain Raymond looking over the daily paper just taken from the mail.