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 you have bought the unsurveyed tracts that have been begging for a purchaser since you came to the country? Before the passing of the deeds we purpose having the tract again surveyed, and the new survey compared with the old, and if our neighbors will not join us, John and I will form ourselves into a meadow improvement company, and perhaps some day startle the valley with a project to build wharves, deepen the channel, and generally cause a peaceful revolution. This is not a mere boast or an over-statement, John, do you think?"

"It is the subject of our thoughts of late, certainly, and is, I trust," said John, turning directly to Matthew Watson, "a proper concern for me. As the Friends in this township and in Nottingham so greatly outnumber all others, is it well that they should take no interest in the general betterment of our estates? You that have families should surely consider the welfare of those who have been intrusted to your care."

"Quite a sermon," whispered Robert, with a sly nudge that Matthew did not notice.