168 FARMING IT 



In fact, one of the neighbors came in spite of 

 my repeated warnings, showing how little he 

 cared for my opinion. 



It was in this way: one day a sturdy, stocky, 

 auburn-haired (I am better acquainted with 

 him now and call it red) young fellow came into 

 my office, and wished to see me for a moment. 



I knew he was in no trouble, for he was too 

 fresh and bright-looking. I knew by his well- 

 bred, respectful manner that he was no book 

 agent or seller of patented articles. 



So I willingly dropped whatever I had on hand, 

 and invited him to the inner office. He showed 

 his directness by coming at once to the point. 



" I am a doctor and wish to settle in your town. 

 Is there a chance for me ? " 



"Mighty little, I'm afraid; there are Doctors 

 Blank, Dash, and Hyphen, and Brackett, and 

 Comma, and Colon, allopaths, Doctors Capital 

 and Lowercase, homoeopaths, two college veteri- 

 narians, half a dozen amateurs practising in vio- 

 lation of law, and several old ladies without waist- 

 lines who are popularly supposed to know more 

 than all the doctors in a certain class of cases." 



"Gee!" replied the young man, "it don't look 

 very promising, does it?" 



"Not unless you are a good doctor and have 

 money enough to wait," I replied. 



"Well," he said slowly, "I think I am a good 



