It 's grand on a large scale ; and I feel as if steady work would be rather jolly after loafing round so long . I can make a beginning , and you can send me your black sheep to stock my place with . I tried sheep-farming in Australia , and know something about black ones , any way . ' A laugh chased away the sober look in Dan 's face as he ended ; and those who knew him best guessed that he had 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 help others . ` We shall know where you are , and can go and see you , and not have half the world between us . I 'll send my Ted for a visit . He 's such a restless spirit , it would do him good . With you he would be safe while he worked 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 sound rather 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 will want a newspaper very soon , and I like the idea of running one myself much better than grinding away as I do now , ' 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 to see and choose the best , ' added ever-young Mr March , beholding with his prophetic eye many duplicates of their own flourishing establishment springing up in the wide West . ` Go on , Dan . It is a fine plan , and we will back you up . I should n't mind investing in a few prairies and cowboys myself , ' said Mr Laurie , always ready to help the lads to help themselves , both by his cheery words and 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 to see what I can do , but I thought I 'd consult you before I decided .
Have my doubts about it suiting me for many years ; but I can cut loose when I 'm tired , ' answered XXXXX , both touched and pleased at the eager interest of these friends in his plans . '
Dan Demi Francisco Laurie Mr Professor Speranza Ted hoe shubble