Jo's Boys - Bibliotecadigital.puc-campinas.edu.br

Chapter 4 36Arbaces in The Last Days of Pompeii. We want to act it; have the lion and the gladiators and the eruption.Tom and Ted are going to shower bushels of ashes down and roll barrels of stones about. We wanted a darkman for the Egyptian; and you will be gorgeous in red and white shawls. Won't he, Aunt Jo?'This deluge of words made Dan clap his hands over his ears; and before Mrs Bhaer could answer herimpetuous niece the Laurences, with Meg and her family, arrived, soon followed by Tom and Nan, and all satdown to listen to Dan's adventures--told in brief yet effective manner, as the varying expressions of interest,wonder, merriment, and suspense painted on the circle of faces round him plainly showed. The boys allwanted to start at once for California and make fortunes; the girls could hardly wait for the curious and prettythings he had picked up for them in his travels; while the elders rejoiced heartily over the energy and goodprospects of their wild boy.'Of course you will want to go back for another stroke of luck; and I hope you will have it. But speculation isa dangerous game, and you may lose all you've won,' said Mr Laurie, who had enjoyed the stirring tale asmuch as any of the boys, and would have liked to rough it with Dan as well as they.'I've had enough of it, for a while at least; too much like gambling. The excitement is all I care for, and it isn'tgood for me. I have a notion to try farming out West. It's grand on a large scale; and I feel as if steady workwould be rather jolly after loafing round so long. I can make a beginning, and you can send me your blacksheep to stock my place with. I tried sheep-farming in Australia, and know something about black ones, anyway.'A laugh chased away the sober look in Dan's face as he ended; and those who knew him best guessed that hehad learned a lesson there in San Francisco, and dared not try again.'That is a capital idea, Dan!' cried Mrs Jo, seeing great hope in this desire to fix himself somewhere and helpothers. 'We shall know where you are, and can go and see you, and not have half the world between us. I'llsend my Ted for a visit. He's such a restless spirit, it would do him good. With you he would be safe while heworked off his surplus energies and learned a wholesome business.''I'll use the "shubble and de hoe" like a good one, if I get a chance out there; but the Speranza mines soundrather jollier,' said Ted, examining the samples of ore Dan had brought for the Professor.'You go and start a new town, and when we are ready to swarm we will come out and settle there. You willwant a newspaper very soon, and I like the idea of running one myself much better than grinding away as I donow,' observed Demi, panting to distinguish himself in the journalistic line.'We could easily plant a new college there. These sturdy Westerners are hungry for learning, and very quick tosee and choose the best,' added ever-young Mr March, beholding with his prophetic eye many duplicates oftheir own flourishing establishment springing up in the wide West.'Go on, Dan. It is a fine plan, and we will back you up. I shouldn't mind investing in a few prairies andcowboys myself,' said Mr Laurie, always ready to help the lads to help themselves, both by his cheery wordsand ever-open purse.'A little money sort of ballasts a fellow, and investing it in land anchors him--for a while, at least. I'd like tosee what I can do, but I thought I'd consult you before I decided. Have my doubts about it suiting me for manyyears; but I can cut loose when I'm tired,' answered Dan, both touched and pleased at the eager interest ofthese friends in his plans.'I know you won't like it. After having the whole world to roam over, one farm will seem dreadfully small andstupid,' said Josie, who much preferred the romance of the wandering life which brought her thrilling tales and