But those that are left are hard-boiled. We're not going to quit, Captain. A lot of us are Alaskans, and we are not afraid to fight.”
“You mean—”
“That we'll have a square deal within another five years, or know the reason why. And another five years after that, we'll he shipping a million reindeer carcasses down into the States each year. Within twenty years we'll be shipping five million. Nice thought for the beef barons, eh? But rather fortunate, I think, for the hundred million Americans who are turning their grazing lands into farms and irrigation systems.”
One of Alan Holt's hands was clenched at the rail. “Until I went down this winter, I didn't realize just how bad it was,” he said, a note hard as iron in his voice. “Lomen is a diplomat, but I'm not. I want to fight when I see such things—fight with a gun. Because we happened to find gold up here, they think Alaska is an orange to be sucked as quickly as possible, and that when the sucking process is over, the skin will be worthless. That's modern, dollar-chasing Americanism for you!”
“And are you not an American, Mr. Holt?”
So soft and near was the voice that both men started. Then both turned and stared. Close behind them, her quiet, beautiful face flooded with the moon-glow, stood Mary Standish.
“You ask me a question, madam,” said Alan Holt, bowing courteously. “No, I am not an American. I am an Alaskan.”
The girl's lips were parted. Her eyes were very bright and clear. “Please pardon me for listening,” she said. “I couldn't help it. I am an American. I love America. I think I love it more than anything else in the world—more than my religion, even.America, Mr. Holt. And America doesn't necessarily mean a great many of America's people. I love to think that I first came ashore in the Mayflower . That is why my name is Standish. And I just wanted to remind you that Alaskais America.”
Alan Holt was a bit amazed. The girl's face was no longer placidly quiet. Her eyes were radiant.