The Coming of Winter 



a hind quarter, which he let us have at seven 

 cents a pound, and as it was midday, he invited 

 us to sample the meat by enjoying a nice bit 

 of steak, and then, once more pursuing our way, 

 we soon arrived at my homestead. 



After supper we passed an hour or so in taking 

 stock of our financial position, which as far as 

 the balance remaining in the bank went did not 

 look very encouraging. 



As we had spent about six hundred dollars, 

 we still had four hundred in the bank, but it 

 must be remembered we had to provide not 

 only for groceries and other food supplies, but 

 also seed for seventy acres, and could expect 

 no return from our crop for a twelvemonth at 

 least. On the other hand, as a distinct asset 

 we had seventy acres of good land broken and 

 ready for seeding, and if only we were favoured 

 with a good season we might look forward hope- 

 fully. Of course, we also had our good Joe 

 and Nigger, Nancy and her foal, two decent 

 shacks, with a start on implements and tools. 

 Indeed, we felt so hopeful that we fell into a 

 debate as to whether we could afford a cow ; and 

 here I touch on a matter which I hope later to 

 refer to at greater length, viz. the stock versus 

 or in addition to grain question. 



Tom thought we could do well enough with 



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