THE BROTHERS JOURNEY HOMEWARD 2n
of desolation that seemed good for nothing but range for savage beasts and poisonous serpents.
"It is now my turn to prophesy and philosophize/said Joseph. "My experience and observation in Utah, where irrigation has relieved the barren soil of its drouth, has taught me that irrigation will develop the latent power of the desert to sustain and perpetuate the race long after the Mississippi basin has ceased to respond to the demands of the husbandman and the vernal lands of the Willamette valley are worn out."
"But the Willamette valley and the entire northwest coast will always beat the world with the fruits and cereals that thrive in the temperate zone."
"' Always ' is a good while, John. It is a pity that we can't live always."
"Jean declares that we do."
"How came she to know so much?"
"I cannot tell; but she has evolved a theory from her studies and conclusions that seems plausible. At any rate, we cannot disprove it; and as it comforts her and hurts nobody, I am glad she can enjoy it. But the gong has sounded for dinner, and I am as hungry as a bear."
"It is a glorious thing to be alive," exclaimed the Captain, when they spied the lights of the Farallones to the leeward, while on their left rose Mare Island; and they knew that they were nearing the Gk)lden Gate. Four days of happy, languorous idleness on a glassy sea had been theirs to enjoy. But each decided that he had had enough of leisure, and was glad when Telegraph Hill, the towering head of the city of San Francisco, was seen among its myriads of sand-dunes and rioting patches of native weeds.
"It is indeed a glorious thing to be alive!" said Joseph, as they were being jostled in the streets of the city, where a babel of tongues kept up a continuous clatter, as bewildering as it was unintelligible.
