“The United States is good enough for us,” returned Phil. “But I should think our government would do the same for its settlers.”
“It’s beginning to. So many families that entered claims in this country have left them and crossed the line, it had to do something. At present, however, the few ‘ready-made homes’ in the United States are controlled by private interests, and the rates they charge are so high a man can hardly pay when crops are good. When they are not, he can’t. As I asked before, how’d you come to pick out Chikau?”
“A friend of ours heard that it was a promising region,” said Phil.
“And Andy—I mean Mr. Howe—says he knows a fine place. He’s gone to talk with Mr. Hopkins about showing us where it is.”
“He has, eh?” exclaimed the foreman, in surprise. “H’m! Reckon I know where it is.”
“Where?” asked both boys, eagerly.
“I’ll let Andy tell you. But if you get it and Si says the word. I’ll bring over one of my riggings and clear what you want.”
“Will you really? How much will it cost?” queried Ted.
“Not a cent; that is, I’ll take my pay in logs and you can sell my company the rest.”
“That will be splendid. You’re mighty kind, Mr. Anderson!” exclaimed both young homesteaders.