If these lands
were taken up contrary to law, why so were every other timber lands in
the state."
"That may be true, also," said Bob. "I don't know."
"Well, will you tell me what's wrong with them?" asked Welton.
"It appears as though the lands were 'colonized,'" said Bob; "or, at
least, such of them as were not bought from the bank."
"I guess you boys have a new brand of slang," confessed Welton.
"Why, I mean the tract was taken direct from many small holders in
hundred-and-sixty-acre lots," explained Bob.
Welton stared at him.
"Well, will you tell me how in blazes you were going to get together a
piece of timber big enough to handle in any other way?" he demanded at
last. "All one firm could take up by itself was a quarter section, and
you're not crazy enough to think any concern could afford to build a
plant for the sake of cutting that amount! That's preposterous! A man
certainly has a right under the law to sell what is his to whom-ever he
pleases."
"But the 'colonists,'" said Bob, "took up this land merely for the
purpose of turning it over to the company. The intention of the law is
that the timber is for the benefit of the original claimant.
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