el mean over this job, neighbours," said the American, as they
moved towards the shanty; "and now I'm going to be meaner and meaner, as
I am here and had no time to see to my vittling department. Got
anything to eat?"

"A very poor spread, Griggs," said Wilton, smiling, "but of course we
shall be glad if you'll share it."

"I call that rale kind of you, and I will stop, for I'm downright
hungry, and precious little to home. I say, if the President ever sends
round for us to vote a new name for this part of the State I shall
propose that we call it Starvationton. Why, look here, you're a deal
better off for corn and hay than I am to home," he continued, as he sat
back after munching potatoes and damper, and washing all down with fresh
cool water from a little spring which never failed. "White wine too as
never gets into a fellow's head. But the place don't answer my
expectations; does it yours?"

"Ours? No, Griggs," said Mr Bourne sadly. "We've made up our minds to
give it up."

"Not pull up stakes and go?" cried the American, bringing the haft of
his knife down upon the rough table with a loud rap.

"Yes," said the doctor; "fruit-growing here is fruitless."

"Yes, because we don't get any fruit. But look here, you neighbour
Wilton, you don't say anything: you don't mean to go too?"

"Indeed, but I do," replied the gentleman addressed.

"Hear him!" cried the American. "But you lads--you are going?"

"Why, of course we should," cried the boys, in a breath.

"What, and leave me nearly all alone by myself? Well, as sure as my
name's 'Thaniel Griggs, I call it mean."

He looked round from one to the other, as if asking for an explanation,
and rested his eyes last upon Mr Bourne, as he added--

"On-neighbourly, that it is."

"We shall be sorry to lose so good a neighbour," said Bourne; "but what
is to be gained by trying any longer?"

"Hum! That's a riddle," said the American. "Give it up. Ask me
another."

"What can we do to improve our position anywhere near?"

"Hah! That's another riddle, and not so easy as t'other. Got any more,
for I give that one up too."

"I think those two are enough," said Wilton merrily. "The fact is,
Griggs, we have all come to the conclusion that we are wasting our lives
here."

"Where are you going, then?"

"Home," was the reply.

"Ah!" cried Griggs. "There's a nice sound about that--Home. Well, I
shall go with you."

"What!" cried the doctor. "To En