14 TOM’S EXPERIENCE 
in the Territory, with a house and barn on it. And 
you know Sam Bright is considered one of the most 
level-headed men about here, and and he joined in 
and said he hoped you wouldn’t go, for if you did | 
you'd be almost sure to regret it, and he would be 
sorry to see you make such a mistake. And he is one 
of the best friends you've got.” 
“Tf I was as well fixed as the Squire and Mr. 
Bright—owned good farms as they do, and had plenty 
of money besides—I don’t think I'd go, either. But 
as I am not so fortunate as to own a farm here, and 
probably never could, I propose to go where I can.” 
GRASSHCPPERS AND DROUTH. 
‘‘ And take the chances of the grasshoppers and the 
drouth?”’ 
‘Yes, and all other chances. There have been no 
grasshoppers there for some years, and may never be 
again; and, although there have been one or two 
short crops on account of drouth, there has never 
been a failure, And counting in those years you will 
find that the average crops were larger than they 
have been right here. I may not succeed out there. 
I cannot see any farther into the future than you and 
the rest of my friends; but I shall make a hard vt 
for success, anyway.” 
“Well, Tom, I see you are fully detednaten to go. 
We’re awfully sorry, though, to have you leave this 
neighborhood, and sh seston you go I know you'll 
have the best wishes of all your old neighbors here.” 
