30 TOM’S EXPERIENCE 
rather impatiently looking forward to the time when 
I should be able to build what should be generally 
known as the “ handsomest and handiest farm house 
in the county.” . Mr. Cook, the builder, had brought 
with him the plans of a house he had built for a 
farmer in Iowa the year before, and which was a 
model in its way. 
PRIDE VS. PRUDENCE. 
My better judgement told me that I ought not to 
assume the financial burden of the new house at that 
time, but pride, and a desire to give my wife the com- 
forts and conveniences of such a home, argued very 
strongly in favor of making a contract with Mr. 
Cook at once. 
| was soon absorbed in the plans he spread before 
me, and the more I examined them the more my bet- 
ter judgment weakened until at last it yielded en- 
tirely, and I commenced negotiating with him as to 
terms. After building that little tenant house I had 
not money enough left to carry me through the sum- 
mer until I could realize on my crops, but that gave 
me no uneasiness, as my credit was good, and if [ 
should need a few hundred dollars I could easily get 
it at the Bank in our county seat. But this new 
house would cost at least $1,200, and if built must be 
paid for as the work was done. Mr. Cook was ready 
for that emergency : a capitalist in the new village 
would lend me the money at a moderate rate of in- 
terest, taking a mortgage on my 160 acres of land. 
