, the stream does, before it spreads out into our
lake, here. I borrowed a boat and followed back two miles before it got
too shallow for me. Boys have caught trout here three times since I've
been watching."

"Well?"

"My father was fish-warden in our district. I learned the business. If
you're willing, I can start some trout-raising that ought to pay well.
You know, the State is glad to help game preserving, free."

He proceeded to give me a brief lecture on the subject, in his quiet,
unpretentious manner; producing notes and diagrams from his pockets. He
had written to various authorities and exhibited their replies. He knew
exactly what the State would do, what he himself must do, and what
investment of money would be required. I listened to him in admiration
and astonishment.

From fish raising, he went on to discuss each acre of the farm; its best
use in view of its situation, condition, and our needs. We could afford
so much labor, it appeared, and no more. We must have certain apparatus;
methodically listed with prices. If we used a certain sheltered south
field for a peach orchard, the trees planted should be such an age and
have giant-powder blast deep beds for them in order that they might soon
bear fruit.

When at last he ended his deceptive speech that sounded so lazy while
implying so much energy, and turned his black eyes from the papers on
his knee to my face, I had been routed long since.

"Vere," I said abruptly, "did you know that I thought you were going to
desert the farm, when you began to speak?"

He nodded.

"Yes, I guess so. You don't exactly like me; haven't had any occasion
to! You don't judge me a fit match for your cousin. Well, neither would
anyone else, yet!"

He began to gather his papers together, his attention divided with them
while he finished his answer:

"There will be plenty of time before that 'yet' runs out. Mighty
pleasant time, thanks to you, Mr. Locke! Phillida and I expect to enjoy
building things up as much as we'll enjoy it after they're all built.
Meantime, I prize what you're doing all the more because I know how you
feel. Now, if you'd be interested to look over these plans or submit
them to someone you've confidence in, for inspection, I'll just turn
them over to you."

He had so accurately measured me that I was disconcerted. It was quite
true that he was compelling my respect, while my first dislike of him
still obstinately lurked in the background of m