138 CIIEONICLES OF A CLAY FARM. 



you like that word best) is an exception to every 

 other human labor or pursuit, a contradiction to 

 all Natural Law, and will bring a livelihood with- 

 out study, cost or apprenticeship : that to be able 

 to gabble over the pet jargon about the ignorance 

 of our forefathers " 



The old Chronicler was warming up and be- 

 ginning to lurch about in his chair like a grain- 

 laden Dutchman clearing out of harbor; but a 

 look of something in the other's face just happened 

 to catch his eye a look that somehow can break 

 down and go right through a barred and bolted 

 door better than artillery and powder-bags a 

 look that trips up anger and makes it fall flat 

 on its face that melts arguments into a jelly 

 a sort of look between simplicity and penitence 

 a slight quiver about the mouth like that of a 

 child convicted in a first fault 



The steam was turned off in an instant the 

 safety valve opened of its own accord : that pre- 

 cious valve that the Great Author has placed in 

 the inner heart of man, no matter how many 

 rough coats are wrapped over it 



" Come, come ! We '11 make a bargain after all. 

 An early visit deserves to do business. You 're 

 still young very young. Take a word of advice 



