The boys resumed their seats. "Your mamma and I have been wondering
what you boys are to become, and we do not see any openings likely
to occur here. Now, what should you say to us all emigrating?"

"What, going abroad, papa!" they both exclaimed joyously.

"Yes, boys, settling in the backwoods or in the prairies."

"Oh, that would be jolly," Charley said, "I know, I papa, having
fights with Indians, and all that sort of thing. Oh, it would be
glorious!"

"Well, Charley," his father said, smiling, "I do not know that we
shall have fights with Indians, nor do think it would be very jolly
if we did. But we should have to rough it, you know; you boys
would have to work hard, to help me in everything, and to look after
the cattle and sheep."

"What fun! what fun!" the boys both shouted; "we should like it of
all things in the world."

"And what do you think of it, Maud and Ethel?" their mamma asked
the two little girls, who were looking very surprised, but rather
doubtful as to the pleasure of the fights with Indians which their
brothers had spoken so delightedly about. "You will have to be two
very useful little women, and will have to help me just as the boys
will have to help your papa. Very likely we may not be able to get
a servant there, and then we shall have to do everything."

"That will be fine, mamma," said Maud, who was rather over twelve,