Chapter VII A PLAGUE OF MICE We recall the story of 's Hope, the Duke's settlers, and the "Cain and Abel" quarrel. We see the Flockton Memorial, remember the lady who danced with the king—and so on to the end of the Island. We miss the legends of St. Peter 's, see the second Communal settlement, and think of Ruskin . 'S HOPE ! Surely, a place with such a name must have a story connected with it. Or is it that the place is so enchanting that a sailor's fondest hope is to set foot on this spot and to stay here for ever? 's Hope was named after the residence of Captain Cooper , a land agent. He led the escheat agitation in the Island for several years, and though he was backed up by a strong majority in the House of Assembly, the Executive Government was strong enough to nullify his efforts. His agitation paved the way, though, for the final settlement by which the farmers became the owners of the land they cultivated. This man has me puzzled completely— In 1849, after the land question had been settled, he built a brig, loaded it with house-building materials and sailed with his family, via , to Cali¬ fornia. All well and good. But—he left his family there, and returned home to end his days at 's Hope. I wonder why. Did he dislike California —or his family? Was it a momentary impulse? Or is there something about 's Hope that calls the wandering sailor home—even from California ? The district around 's Hope abounds in 142