252 FARMING BY INCHES; 



" Glad to see you, ma'am.," said Mr. Kempenfielder, ad- 

 vancing and Differing his huge, bony hand. I almost 

 laughed when I took it, for I could not grasp such a digital 

 immensity. He shook my hand, and at once I felt a new 

 sensation. It was not like any in my experience. It was 

 a hand-grasp expressive of honest, hearty, good-natured wel- 

 come. Not a " society" hand-shake. 



" Glad to see you, ma'am. You're welcome to Arenac, 

 I'm sure. Mary she's my wife was a-saying the other day 

 she kinder wished some one would locate here. Old Jacob, 

 he that lived here before, was a quiet man, and wan't very 

 neighborly. He's your uncle maybe. Yes, I thought he 

 was. Well, I'm glad you have come. Come over and see 

 us when you get fixed. My folks will be mighty glad to see 

 you. Hello ! there, let me help you ; " and away he went 

 towards the hay-cart from which Robert was trying to lift a 

 large sack full of potatoes. 



"You airit very strong, are you? You look kinder 

 peaked any way. Guess country living will build you 

 up, spon." 



So saying, he took the sack from the team easily enough. 

 I could not fail to notice the man's great strength and 

 Robert's weakness. Yet it did not disturb me. One 

 was a farmer, the other a broken-down book-keeper. 

 Which is the better man in other respects remains to 



