le to your Mr Elliott,' and says he, `We wouldn't begrudge him a
thousand dollars cash down, and no mistake.' So now don't worry any
about the minister. _He's_ all right, and worth his pay any day.
That's all I've got to say," and Mr Snow opened the door and walked
out.

Sampson's speech was short, but it was the speech of the evening, and
told. That night, or within a few days, arrangements were made for the
carrying out of the plan suggested by Mr Elliott, with this difference,
that the seventh part was not to be deducted because of money payment.
And the good people of Merleville did not regret their promptitude, when
the very next week there came a deputation from Rixford, to ascertain
whether Mr Elliott was to remain in Merleville, and if not, whether he
would accept an invitation to settle in the larger town.

Mr Elliott's answer was brief and decided. He had no wish to leave
Merleville while the people wished him to remain. He hoped never to
leave them while he lived. And he never did.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN.

Spring came and went. The lads distinguished themselves both for the
quantity and quality of their sugar, and highly enjoyed the work
besides. The free out-of-door life, the camping in the woods beside a
blazing fire, and the company of the village lads who daily and nightly
crowded around them, charmed them from all other pursuits. Mr Foster
and his mathematics were sadly neglected in these days. In future they
were to devote themselves to agriculture.

In vain Janet hinted that "new things aye pleased light heads," and
warned them that they were deciding too soon. In vain Mr Snow said
that it was not sugaring time all the year; and that they should summer
and winter among the hills before they committed themselves to a
farmer's life. Harry quoted Cincinnatus, and Norman proved to his own
satisfaction, if not to Mr Snow's, that on scientific principles every
farm in Merleville could be cultivated with half the expense, and double
the profits. Even their father was carried away by their enthusiasm;
and it is to be feared, that if he had had a fortune to invest, it would
have been buried for ever among these beautiful hills of Merleville.

An opportunity to test the strength of the lads' determination, came in
a manner which involved less risk than a purchase would have done.
Early in May a letter was received from Mr Ross, in which he offered to
take the charge of Arthur's education on him