I don't somehow feel like I could get along without them; and besides, I'd always be knockin' against somethin' there." He laughed grimly, and stretched out his huge arms.

"I've got to have room.

Then there's the folks yonder." He turned his face toward the log house, just showing through the trees.

"You know how it is, me bein' the only one left, and Dad gettin' old.
No, I don't guess you need to count on me bein' more than I am." Then suddenly he wheeled about and looked from one face to the other; and there was a faint hint of defiance in his voice, as he finished; "I got an idea, too, that the backwoods needs men same as the cities.

I don't see how there ever could BE a city even, if it wasn't for the men what cleared the brush.