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—Don’t, Andy! It is my fault—my inability. You know it as well as I do. The best I’ve ever done was to make ends meet, and this year I can’t do that without the mortgage.

—[After a pause.] You mustn’t raise the mortgage, Rob. I’ve got over a thousand saved, and you can have that.

—[Firmly.] No. You need that for your start in Buenos Aires.

—I don’t. I can

—[Determinedly.] No, Andy! Once and for all, no! I won’t hear of it!

—[Protestingly.] You obstinate old son of a gun! [There is a pause.] Well, I’ll do the best I can while I’m here. I’ll get a real man to superintend things for you—if he can be got. That’ll relieve you some. If he gets results, you can afford to pay him.

—Oh, everything’ll be on a sound footing after harvest. Don’t worry about it.

—[Doubtfully.] Maybe. The prospects don’t look so bad.

—And then I can pay the mortgage off again. It’s just to tide over.

—[After a pause.] I wish you’d let me help, Rob.

—[With a tone of finality.] No. Please don’t suggest it any more. My mind’s made up on that point.

—[Slapping his brother on the back