Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1903-07-17
CHAPTER u.-(CoutinuedJ


and straightness of the streets, and at
the generally European look of every
thing. Once out of the town, the riding
horses broke into a canter; for the road
was so good that the horses in the light
carriage were able to so along at full
speed. AS they proceeded they passed
many houses of the rich merchants Of the
place. and all were charmed with the lux
uriance and beauty of the gardens.
Orange and lemon trees scented the air
with their delicious perfumes; bananas,
tree ferns and palms lowered above them !;
lovely butterflies of immense size, and
bright little humming birds fitted about
among countless variety Of flowers. The
delight Of the young ones was unbound
ed.
gardens behind and drove out fairly into
the country. Upon either side the plains
stretched away as far as the eye could
reach, in some parts under the plow, but
far more generally carpeted with bright
green grass and many-colored wild flow
ers, Everywhere could be seen dTOYes
Of horses and cattle, while dotted here
and there over the plain were the estan
cias of the proprietors.
1t was most delightful ride. Finally
they drew up at their hosts estancia.
Here Mrs. Thompson came out to greet
them. She had been a great friend Of
Mrs. Hardy in their young days, and
great was their pleasure at again meeting
after 80 long separation. Mr.. Thomp-
sons estancia was a large and pictur-
esque building. 1t was entirely surround
ed by wide veranda, so that at all hours
of the day relief could be obtained from
the glare of the sun. In front was an
extensive garden. At short distance
behind the house were the houses Of the
men, and the corrals, or Enclosures, for
the cattle
The interior was handsomely furnished
in the European style, except that the
floors were uncarpeted, and were compos-
ed Of polished boards. Everywhere were
signs that the proprietor was a prosper
GUS and wealthy man. Mr.. Thompson had
only one son, lad Of about the same
age as Charles Hardy. To his care Mrs.
Thompson now assigned the boys, while
she conducted Mrs. Hardy and her daugh-
ters to their rooms.
In half an hour the party reassembled
at dinner, to which they all did ample
justice. The conversation Of Mr.. Hardy
and his friend turned upon the country,
its position and prospects, and upon the
advantage which the various districts Of
fered to newcomers. Presently the dusk
came on, followed rapidly by darkness,
and in half an hour Ethel came to sum-
mon them to tea. The boys were full Of
delight at the immense herds of cattle
they had seen. AS they sat down to the
tea table covered with delicate English
china, with kettle over spirit lamp
in the center, and lit with the subdued
light of two shaded moderator lamps,
Maud said, 1T is not one bit like what
expected, papa, after all you have told us
about hardships and working"
DO not be afraid, Maud" her father
said. laughing; ''you won't be cheated out
of your hardship and your work, / prom
ise you. Mrs. Thompson will tell you
that it was very different sort of place
when she first came here
"Yes, indeed" Mrs. Thompson said,
smiling; this was considered n very
lonely place when we first settled here.
We had little hut with two rooms. and
1t was more than six months before [
could get woman servant to come out.
In time the country became more settled
and there are stations now sixty or sew
enty miles beyond u.s."
The next week was spent in riding over
the estate, which consisted of four square
leagues-that Is to say, was six miles
each way-and in examining the arrange
ments of the Enclosures for the cattle. At
the end Of that time Mr.. Hardy started
on tour OF inspection through the prov
inces most likely to suit, provided with
numerous letters OF introduction from his
host. While he was away the boys were
to assist upon the estate, and TO accus-
tom themselves to the work and duties OF
the life they were to lead. Into this they
entered with the greatest zest, and were
in the saddle from morning till night, un-
I'll, as MIR. Thompson told them, they
looked like two young guachos. The
guachos are the natives OF the country
They are hne-looking men, with Spanish
faces. Their dress Is very picturesque.
They wear loose trousers. worked and
fringcd round the bottom. Above this is
a sort Of shawl OF bright coors, woven In
stripes, and sometimes OF black cloth
edged with scarlet. Above colored fan
mel shirt Is worn. The boots are long
and are made OF undressed leather. They
wear broad lcathern belt, with pockets
In II; In this knife. too, Is always stuck.
After an absence OF a month Mr.. Har-
dy returned with the welcome news that
he had made his choice. and had bought
at the public auction a tract OF four
square leagues, upon river some twenty
miles to the south Of the town OF Ro.
sarlo. and consequently only a few days
journey from Buenos Ayres. Mr.. Thomp.
SON looked little grave when he heard
the location of the property. but he only