Then the wife signed, adding a leaf. Dr. Rich and Jean signed as witnesses, the notary affixed his stamp, and the deed was done. Those graves were gone forever. Chapter 61 But of Indian graves who can say anything worth hearing? The undiscovered sixty-first element is known to be a rare-earth metal, but wisdom in dealing with backward races is rarer than the rarest earth. Ojeeg belonged to the people that normally inhabit hills and live on venison or milk. Many a time this wild and living nitrogen has swept down from the hills and conquered the mild farmer who raises wheat and sesame—in short, starch. Thus fell starchy Babylon. But starch in turn can conquer. It can backfire up the hills in the form of alcohol, first enchanting the primitive soul and then destroying it. When Ojeeg’s ancestors first received their kegs of liquor, they straightway dreamed that earth is pure kindliness and then slew their own families in the orgy of this romance. Ojeeg was neither civilized nor savage. He was neither fish, flesh, fowl, nor good red Indian. But he knew his enemy, which is about the last thing that any man attains to know. Chapter 62. Samarium At supper, as Dr. Rich meditatively shook a few drops of canned milk into his tea, he remarked, “We have seen a great sight this day. A hunter has become a farmer, and is less likely to starve.” “Hasn’t there been a good deal of starvation in your day?” “Yes, I have seen Persia lose a quarter of her population in one year. I have seen China lose eight millions in two years. I have seen Samara starved into cannibalism.” Jean did not pursue the subject It was the subject she had thought about most and discussed with her father the least. “Nevertheless,” went on her father with unwonted vivacity, “much may still be done, for the age of farm colonies is just beginning. Japan understands this, and will find a way to feed her colonists, even if she has to fight America to do it. We ourselves should instantly care for a million farmers among our soldiers by reclaiming land.” “Daddy, it’s a pity that I am the only one to hear you say such things.” The doctor smiled and changed the subject. “We went off in such a hurry that I failed to open the rest of the mail. Suppose you do it.” Jean went to the library and returned with two letters, both bearing Connecticut postmarks. She opened one, and a check fell out. It was for three hundred dollars and bore the marginal words “Traveling expenses.” She read the letter aloud and clapped her hands. “You will, won’t you?” He shook his head. “Now, daddy, be a good child.” “My darling, this rustic dress, these long-established habits—” “Yes, dearest, I know all about it. And I know all about that old brain of yours. Take it down to New Haven and save the soldiers. And on the train you shan’t carry one bit of lunch. You’ll just go into the dining car and order rare roast beef.”