Summary

Portrait of Willa Cather Willa Cather O Pioneers! — The Wild Land, V (1913)

Alexandra's eyes filled with tears. She put her hand on his shoulder. "You poor boy, you won't have to work it. The men in town who are buying up other people's land don't try to farm it. They are the men to watch, in a new country. Let's try to do like the shrewd ones, and not like these stupid fellows. I don't want you boys always to have to work like this. I want you to be independent, and Emil to go to school."
Source: Wikisource

Portrait of Willa Cather Willa Cather O Pioneers! — The Wild Land, V (1913)

At last, on the sixth day, Alexandra turned Brigham's head northward and left the river behind.
"There's nothing in it for us down there, Emil. There are a few fine farms, but they are owned by the rich men in town, and couldn't be bought. Most of the land is rough and hilly. They can always scrape along down there, but they can never do anything big. Down there they have a little certainty, but up with us there is a big chance. We must have faith in the high land, Emil. I want to hold on harder than ever, and when you're a man you'll thank me."
Source: Wikisource

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