1846.] Mr. Green and jXeighbor Soles. 105 



front of my house, he asked, without slackening his rapid pace 

 at all, or waiting for an answer, " Got things set prettj- much to 

 rights?" 



During a tempestuous night a portion of my fence was pros- 

 trated by the wind, and my clover thereby exposed to the as- 

 saults of several cows, who were practical believers in the com- 

 raunit}^ of grass. As I looked from my window I saw neighbor 

 Soles drive out the cows and commence repairing the fence. 

 The rain fell in ton-ents, but he kept at work till the fence was 

 more substantial than before its fall. 



I was pleased to see my clover field rendered safe from depre- 

 dation, and my complacency expanded itself somewhat on !Mr. 

 Soles. Still, with common amiability of human nature, I began 

 to speculate on his motives, and came to the conclusion that he 

 had a keen perception of his interest, and that ere long he would 

 entertain me with an exaggerated account of his services, accom- 

 panied with an exaggerated bill. 



But day after day passed, and no call from neighbor Soles. I 

 began to think it was best to call on him, lest his bill should 

 " have an account with time." 



Before it was convenient for me to put this purpose into exe- 

 cution, I was met in the street one day by Mr. Soles, who in- 

 formed me that my clover Avas receiving damage through want 

 of being cut. "■ Ah ha!" whispered my knowledge of human na- 

 ture, on which I prided myself, " he wants another job." Still, 

 as I wished to be on good terms with my neighbors, I resolved to 

 let him have his own way. I had made up my mind to be cheat- 

 ed now and then, provided it contributed to my popularity. 



I thanked Mr. Soles for his information, and asked him if he 

 could cut it for me. " Bless your heart no," he replied, " I've 

 near a dozen acres of my own spoiling — all I can do I can't get 

 along fast enough" 



" Can you tell me of any one that I can get to cut it ?" 



" I can't for the life of me. I've hired every man that I could. 

 I guess you will have to mow it yourself. It wont do you any 

 hurt. It will let folks see that you are not above work. All men 



