100 THE FAT OF THE LAND 
account. Whatever is over will then be used to 
reduce the principal.” 
« That’s a long speech, but I don’t think it’s very 
clear. I don’t see why a man should pay inter- 
est on his own money. The farm is yours, isn’t 
it? You bought it with your own money, didn’t 
you? What difference does it make whether 
you charge interest or not?” 
“Not the least difference in the world to us, 
Polly, but a great deal to the experiment.” 
«“ Oh, yes, I forgot the experiment. And how 
much interest do you add?” 
“Five hundred and forty-two dollars. Also, 
$75 to the lawyer and $5 for recording the deed, — 
making the whole debt of the farm to me 
$44,000 even.” 
«“ Does it come out just even $44,000? I be- 
lieve you’ve manipulated the figures.” 
“Not on your life! Add them yourself. 
They were put down at all sorts of times during 
the past five months. My dear, I wish you a 
good-night and a happy New Year. You have 
given me a very happy ending for the old one.” 
