advisable to emigrate. He had long looked forward to this, but
had abstained from taking any step until his sons were of an age to be
able to make themselves useful in a life in the bush or upon the
prairies.

Frank Hardy, at the time our story begins, was about forty. He was
a tall, active man, and the life he had led in America when young
had hardened his muscles, and given him the full use of every
faculty.

Mrs. Hardy was five years younger than her husband, and scarcely
looked thirty years old. She was a high-spirited woman, well fitted
to be her husband's companion in the dangers and hardships of a
settler's life.

The subject of emigration once started, was frequently continued,
and presently books and maps began to be consulted, and the
advantages and disadvantages of the various countries and colonies
to be debated. Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Hardy agreed that the
Argentine Republic, in its magnificent rivers, its boundless extent
of fertile land, in its splendid climate, its cheap labor, and its
probable prospects, offered the greatest advantages.

The decision once arrived at, it was determined to announce it to
the children, who had up to this time no idea of the great change
decided upon. Breakfast was over, and the boys, whose holidays had
just begun, were about to leave the table, when their father said:
"Wait a moment, boys; there is something we want to talk to you
about."