106 Farmers* Miscellany. [July, 



want to be on good terms with the people they ara going to live 

 with." 



This was said rather bluntly to be sure, but kindly, and with- 

 out any assumption of superiority. 



" What can I cut it with, a carving knife?" 



" I think it is likely you are better acquainted with the use of 

 that edge tool than any other," and I thought he looked at the 

 whiskers which I had spared for years " but there is old Mr. Rod- 

 gers, he will sell you a scythe, and rig it for you, and will come 

 and show you how to mow, if his rheumatism isn't too bad. I 

 must bid you good day, for I'm in a great hurry" — and he shot 

 off like an arrow. 



I was now pretty well convinced that I had made a mistake in 

 my estimate of Mr. Soles' character. I determined that he should 

 not have cause to conclude that he had made a mistake in taking 

 me for a gentleman. I therefore took an early opportunity to 

 call on him one evening for the purpose of expressing my obli- 

 gations to him for his kindness in repairing my fence, and of ask- 

 ing him for his bill. I had scarcely mentioned the subject when 

 he said, 



" How did you know I put up your fence 1 " 



" I saw you from my window." 



" Well, I thought I got through with it before you were stir- 

 ring, as you never said any thing about it." 



" I was expecting to receive a call from you." 



" W^ell, I don't know but I ought to have called and told you, 

 but I thought I had done about my part in putting up the fence." 



" I expected you would call and let me pay you for it, and that 

 is what I have come to do now, besides thanking you." 



" Wliat do you reckon it is worth ? " 



" I do not know. I shall be quite willing to pay you whatever 

 you think is right." 



"You mean well," said he after a little pause, "but if we are 

 going to be neighbors, you must alter your notions in some things. 

 I don't blame you at the first going off. It is natural for one who 

 is used to living in the city where they have to pay for water. 



