Verne the happy climax was
almost reached.
"Would'nt it be great," mused Moses as he followed the plough in the
field above referred to, "if when Melindy and myself go to town that
we would put up at them 'ere Verneses. Golly it would make the
Wiggleses eyes stick out furder than ever. They're a jealous lot at
the best o' times, and its sich a silly idear for Melindy to be
a-naggin' at me for goin' there when I never go nearer than the
rickety old gate."
Mr. Spriggins was evidently taking on a few airs for he seemed quite
exasperated and ready to battle against such aspersions. Instantly
his face became radiant as the noonday sun, and he burst forth in
rapturous strains--
"What a man I would be and what sights I would see
If I had but ten thousand a year,"
until the hills and dales in the vicinity of Mill Crossing caught up
the refrain and all nature seemed to rejoice.
"What's the use of wishin'? it won't bring the ten thousand any more
than I could turn that old millstream yonder tother way. But what's
the odds so long as yer happy?" and once more there floated on the
breeze--
"If I had but _one_ thousand a year."
"Yes sir, I'd be content," exclaimed Mr.
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