335 



Hone. A very satisfactory statement it seems to 

 me." 



" It may seem so to you, but for my part," said the 

 doctor's wife, " I think you two people had to work pretty 

 hard to earn the paltry sum of two hundred and fifty 

 dollars." 



"You forget, Julia, that they had their support from it, 

 and made what is considered a fair profit, ten per 

 cent." 



" Is that not the average return on capital invested in 

 mercantile pursuits?" asked Comfort. 



"Yes, most merchants are satisfied with that, and are 

 willing to run every risk to obtain it. As far as I can 

 understand it, Mr. Nelson was almost free from risk. His 

 position was a safe one, as it was independent. No pressure 

 in the money-market could affect him, for as long as people 

 live they must eat. His market was assured to him as long 

 as he chose to supply it. The only risks he does run are 

 those of climate and competition." 



" The first, doctor, all trades are. liable to. The storm 

 that throws down my corn may sink another man's ship, 

 or blow over his tall chimney. As for the second, it would 

 be an advantage to have another good gardener next door. 

 "We could help each other in various ways, and keep the 

 market more evenly supplied, and, by selling cheap, create 



