118 CHRONICLES OF A CLAY FARM. 



Dutchman warping out of harbour; but a look of 

 something in the other's face just happened to catch 

 his eye a look that somehow can break down 

 and go right through a barred and bolted door better 

 than artillery and powder-bags a look that trips 

 up anger and throws it flat on its face that melts 

 arguments into a jelly a sort of look between 

 simplicity and penitence a slight quiver about the 

 mouth as of a child convicted in a first fault 



The steam was turned off in an instant the 

 safety-valve opened of its own accord: that pre- 

 cious valve that the Great Architect has placed in 

 the inner heart of man, no matter how many rough 

 coats are wrapped over it 



* Come, come ! We'll make a bargain after all. 

 An early visit deserves to do business. You're still 

 young very young. Take a word of advice from 

 an old head. Go to your friend Mr. M'Scuffler 

 ask him to take you for two or three years : it's 

 soon gone. Work away for dear life at his farm, 

 and make him tell you all he knows. Fancy that it 

 is your money instead of his that buys every ton of 

 manure he spends. Put off your wedding a little 

 bit : She'll be constant if you are : and come to me 

 three years hence ; I was as young as you once ; and 



