184 THE FAT OF THE LAND 
would lead him astray whenever there was op- 
portunity. Polly and I had many talks about 
this matter. She was growing timid under his 
driving, and yet she was attached to him for long 
and faithful service. 
«“ Let’s chance it,” she said. “If we get him 
away from these people who lead him astray, he - 
may brace up and become a man again.” 
«“ But what about the boys, Polly?” said I. 
«We ought to be able to find something for 
the boys to do on the farm, and they can go to 
school at Exeter. Can’t they drive the butter- 
cart out each morning and home after school ? 
They’re smart chaps, you know, and used to 
doing things.” 
Polly had found a way, andI was heartily 
glad of it, for I did not feel like giving up my 
hold on the man and the boys. Lars was glad 
of the chance to make good again, and he will- 
ingly agreed to go. He was to receive $23 a 
month. This was less than he was getting in 
the city, but it was the wage which we were 
paying that year at the farm, and he was con- 
tent; for the boys were each to receive $5 a 
month, and to be sent to school eight months 
a year for three years. 
This matter arranged, we began to plan for 
the moving. I had five horses in my stable, —a 
span of blacks for the carriage and three single 
drivers. Besides the horses, harness, and equip- 
ment, there was a large carriage, a brougham, a 
