Locating a Homestead 



a look at, any way. Of course, you may be want- 

 ing horses, but I dare say you know that in the 

 early stages there is a lot to be said for oxen in 

 preference to horses, when you reckon up the 

 cost of a good team of the latter— and a poor 

 team is not much account." 



" Do you propose a co-operative deal ? " said 

 Tom, smiling. 



The other turned towards him quickly, and 

 noting Tom's pleasant face, replied, " Well, no ; 

 though that's a good proposition, too, in its place." 



" No harm in having a look at 'em," said I, 

 and we followed the young man to a livery barn, 

 where, in a somewhat dimly lighted stall, we made 

 out two huge shapes. 



" I'll have 'em out for you to see them properly 

 directly," said their proprietor, " but I want to 

 tell you why I am selling. The fact is, my 

 cousin and I have horses now ; we began three 

 years ago with oxen, and made the mistake of 

 getting some half-broken brutes, and I can tell 

 you we had a high old time with them ; then 

 we got this pair ready broken from a fine old 

 French-Canadian rancher, and they helped the 

 others and have been splendid, and we have 

 done a big lot of stoning, breaking, ploughing, 

 and freighting with them." 



Untying them, he led them out into the bright 



41 



