THE TOWN THAT LOST ITSELF
ence got to work, and all the children are permeated with the stay-at-home germ. Why, according to Old Timers testimony, they abhor the outside world and hope to live indefinitely without being intruded upon.'
"‘But what's that to us?' I gasped, much perplexed at the situation.
"‘Well,' murmured Tib, 'it seems curiosity still remains. The mother in 'em, I guess. The French and half-breeds they meet know nothing of what's gone on, or is going on, in the States; and consequently they are hard up for news, about a half a century behind. When they came here, one of their number brought a small hand-press, and they obtained paper through the French in Canada. But the original printer died long ago, and no one can run it, so they've had no news for forty years. The Dim Past there opines that we, fresh from the outer world, might supply the want and get out a paper. Think of it, my boy; think of it!'
"‘But a paper won't pay here,' I blurted.
"‘Not pay?' Tib replied, pityingly. 'Why, the original immigrants brought about twenty thousand dollars in gold with them; distrusted paper-money, you know. It's all here. Hardly a dollar has rolled over the hills. They can't use it; it's no good to 'em. Their medium of exchange is corn
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