Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1891-06-04
A RACE FOR A HOME.
BY CHARLES NJ. LARGER.

| A flock of mammoth white winged
birds, resting for moment upon the
crest of a billow of prairie that was the
picture presented by the new town oil
Leoti. 1t was but few days old. and
| yet as its residents looked westward and
saw the blue cloud-like form of Pixies
Peak looming above the horizon, such
was their faith in their venture that
their own town appeared destined to be
no less permanent than the great back
bone of earth hundred and fifty miles
distant.
Willis Emmett rode his pony slowly as
he came in view of the tented city.
mot much of show for fellow" he
thought, and he compared the place with
his native Eastern town, with its heavy
brick anil stone structures and its tree
lined streets
But ne nHd ffrtfe reason OF disposition
to muse over the past. Family ieverses
had taken him from college just after
his twenty-frst birthday anniversary,
and he had come West ''to grow up
with the couutry," with little to build
upon but his native pluck, for his faith
er's blessing was not very available as
assets.
He had heard so much of this growing
western Kansas town, that now he had
reached it he was somewhat disap-
pointed. 1t was so new and so temper
airy to his eyes. A close glance could
only detect n few frame buildings, and
they were small and implanted.
Entering the place, he rode directly to
the first Gland office" sign and inter
viewed the agent regarding the posi-
bility of finding good claim, or one
hundred and sixty acres OF land, to pre-
empt.
Haven't a single quartcr-scction to
show you nearer than six miles" replied
that individual, rubbing his hands. Il
control nearly all the business here, and
/ assure you that'll be the best you can
do. I'll sell you"
NO" interrupted the new conner,
'T'm not ready to buy"
Indeed the few dollars his pocket con-
tanned would have gone but short dis
lance toward purchase.
The agent was accommodating enough,
however, TO show him tent where he
could sleep for the night, and left him
with the remark that they would ''look
around tomorrow"
Somewhat disappointed, Willis lay
back on hiscanvas cot and watched the
sun go down that evening. The light
flooded the haze-rimmed circle of prairie
and changed dark grasses TO gold. The
tent-tops rose and fell steadily in the
breeze, meadow lark balanced and
trilled on a tall sunfower near by, and
the homesick advepturer was nodding
with drowsiness, when a strange young
man of about his own age appeared at
the opening of the tent.
1t was his roommate. q young sur
veyor, who had been assisting in locat-
ing the line of the new railroad, which
was to make Leoti great.
"Good evening"" exclaimed Willis,
for his experience with the West had
taught him that good -natured boldness
was the best policy, II heard that you
had room for another lodger in this
hotel, so / made myself at home"
"Why, yes" was the reply. 81 am
'baching, you see, but | guess you can
get in since everything else is full"
They introduced themselves with
slight formality, and when they went to
the shanty. called by courtesy "hotel,"
for supper they were on the best of
| terms.
Returning, Willis threw himself upon
| the cot and gave his hat careless toss
upon the floor of the tent.
The young surveyor, entering, STUN
ously SSys sas Il aft-'6snd, and Exclaimed
$50 you're one of usl'
Zone of whoml"
"Of the Phi Kappa Psi's," and he
pointed to the three Greek letters of the
strangers college society, which were
traced upon the band.
Lets have the grip" said Willis
laughing, it will seem natural"
1t was given heartily, and the two
were as intimate in short time rs years
ordinary acquaintance could have made
them.
Their talk reverted to Western life
and its opportunities, and Willis told OF
his dreams and his disappointmcnts.
Il can help you, Mr.. Emmett" said
the other, starting up, his eyes fairly
swapping in the darkness.
Howl Give me some work."
mo, to get some land. l happen to
know that there is good quarter sec
ton Of government land on the other
side OF the town on which no claim has
been fled. II joins the town site and
will be valuable"
HWhen the boom strikes us It can be
laid out In lots, l suppose. ), suggested
Willis.
Il wouldn't be surprised" said the
surveyor eagerly. 1.-THE land agent has
been keeping people off it by telling
them it has been claimed. lie has It
marked 30 on his maps. He Is holding
1t for his brothcr-in-law, whom he ex-
poets out from the Easti"
why don't you take III"
~ can't; I've claim entered on an
other quarter-section already. l only
found il outa few days ago and have said
nothing about IT,"
but your friends"
" i have no intimate friends near here.
! expccted some through soon and would