The next day was to witness the dispersion of the little company which had come out to try their fortunes in the great West. Notices had been circulated in the neighboring villages that a company of boys had arrived, and farmers and mechanics who needed a boy on the farm or in the shop came to Brookville; and at eleven in the forenoon the hall presented a busy and animated sight. While the newcomers scanned attentively the faces of the boys, or opened conversations with them, to guide them in the selections, the boys again were naturally anxious to obtain desirable guardians and homes. Julius, being already provided for, had no anxiety, but wandered about, surveying the scene with comparative indifference. As he had a bright and intelligent look, he was more than once addressed by visitors.
“What is your name, my lad?” asked a middle-aged farmer from the next town.
“How would you like to come with me, and help me on my farm?”
“I’m engaged,” said Julius, with an air of importance; for as young ladies are often emulous of getting married before their companions, so the boy who first succeeds in obtaining a place plumes himself accordingly.
“Indeed!” said the farmer, somewhat disappointed. “Where are you going to live?”
“Then I shall have to look somewhere else, I suppose.”
“Maybe you’d like Corny Donovan?” suggested Julius.
Our hero pointed out the speaker of the evening before.
“He’s small,” said the farmer, after a critical survey. “How old is he?”
“He’s strong, Corny is, and he’s smart. He used to earn twice as much money as some of the boys.”
“Do you think he would like to work on a farm?”
“Here’s a gentleman wants to talk to you,” said Julius.
“I was asking if you would like to work on a farm.”
“Yes,” said Corny, promptly, “if I was treated well, and could go to school. I want to learn somethin’, so’s I can grow up to be somebody.”
“No, nor nothin’ else. Julius here is afraid of bears.”
“You won’t find any bears where I live,” said the farmer, smiling. “How would you like to go home with me?”
“I’d like it. You’ll have to speak to Mr. O’Connor.”
“He is the man who brought you to the West?”
Mr. O’Connor was the center of a group of farmers and others, who were making inquiries about particular boys.