To Jack French the invasion brought mingled feelings.

He hated to surrender the untrammelled, unconventional mode of life, for which twenty years ago he had left an ancient and, as it seemed to his adventurous spirit, a worn-out civilization, but he was quick to recognize, and in his heart was glad to welcome, a change that would mean new life and assured prosperity to Kalman, whom he had come to love as a son.
To Kalman that surveyor's flag meant the opening up of a new world, a new life, rich in promise of adventure and achievement.

French noticed his glowing face and eyes.
"Yes, Kalman, boy," he said, "it will be a great thing for you, great for the country.

It means towns and settlements, markets and money, and all the rest." "We will have no trouble selling our potatoes and our oats now," said the boy.
"Not a bit," said French; "we could sell ten times what we have to sell." "And why not get ten times the stuff ?" cried the boy.
French shrugged his shoulders.

It was hard to throw off the old laissez faire of the pioneer.
"All right, Kalman, you go on.