“So it is. I wanted to get your answers under oath. The government is keen for punishing land frauds.”
“Land frauds?” exclaimed both boys together.
“Exactly. You boys are neither of you of age. You have offered no paper from your parent approving your act, you have not received a special permit from the Secretary of the Interior, you have not offered evidence of having served in the army or navy, which would allow you to become homesteaders even if not of age. It is evident, therefore, that you are making a fraudulent entry. It will be my duty to have you arrested.”
“Take back your money, Ted,” commanded his brother, boldly, though inwardly quaking at the threat of arrest.
“Don’t touch it!” snapped the registrar.
“Why not? The money is ours. You have refused our entry, so you have no right to it.”
“Isn’t my time worth anything?”
“Not out of our money. Put it in your pocket, Ted.”
“Leave it there. It is necessary as evidence of your filing.”
“Then give us a receipt,” retorted the elder boy.