Page:The New Arcadia (Tucker).djvu/79

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
PEOPLING THE WILDERNESS.
69

they should postpone receipt of the fullest revenue of their toil, not grab what they can every Saturday night. We can feed them for half what it cost them to cater for themselves. That they have to the good. Undertakings that yield no profit under the wages system you will find we can prosecute to advantage, accepting lowest prices, reaping fullest profits."

"Well, we shall see."


"What is that music sounding over the hill?" asked Eva Bowling, running towards the speakers.

"You ought to know the sighing of the wind in the she-oaks on the hills," replied her father.

"Listen!" insisted the girl. "It is music, martial music—'The Campbells are coming.'"

"By Jove, it is some band. I can hear it, Courtenay. What does it mean?"

"My army, coming in peace and joy," replied the doctor, "to win its victories. Here they are!" he shouted to his wife further down the hill.

"Why have they a band?" inquired Dowling.

"To cheer them, of course, as music ever does," answered the doctor. "Why should not our regiment be enlivened through all its hard campaign by inspiriting strains? Why may not life here be brightened by the healthful accessories that render the city so attractive? We are going to set up 'counter attractions' on these plains, I assure you."

"Barmaids and dice," suggested Tom, coming up with the others. "I thought yours was to be a temperance settlement, Courtenay?"

"Not of your milk-and-water sort. A vigorous, manly life our people shall lead here. All that can properly delight eye and ear, and improve heart and mind, shall they know, if I can secure it."