48 THE FAT OF THE LAND 



furnished, and heated, but not painted or papered, 

 would cost $2630. Painting, papering, window- 

 shades, and odds and ends cost $275, making a 

 total of $2905. It proved a good investment, for 

 it was a comfortable and convenient home for 

 the men and women who afterward occupied it. 

 It has certainly been appreciated by its occu- 

 pants, and few have left it without regret. We 

 have always tried to make it an object lesson of 

 cleanliness and cheerfulness, and I don't think a 

 man has lived in it for six months without being 

 bettered. It seemed a good deal of money to 

 put on an old farm-house for farm-hands, but 

 it proved one of the best investments at Four 

 Oaks, for it kept the men contented and cheerful 

 workers. 



