Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/45

Rh with great fervor. "It is kind of you to remember your old professor in this way!" And two tears glistened in his feeble eyes.

"If you'll excuse me, I'll take a look over the farm with Dave," continued the manufacturer. "Perhaps I can suggest some improvements." He gave a light laugh, for he was no farmer. "We'll be back shortly."

Dave was willing enough to show Mr. Wadsworth over the farm, and the two walked out together. The manufacturer looked over that portion which faced the highway.

"You've got a good six hundred feet on both sides of the road," he said, measuring the distance with his eye. "They would certainly make fine town lots some day—after the trolley was established."

"Town lots!" ejaculated Dave.

"Certainly. Crumville is growing fast, and people will always settle along the line of a trolley. It's good property for Professor Potts to hold."

"I am glad to hear that, Mr. Wadsworth, and doubly glad to know that you'll take up that mortgage. Mr. Potts couldn't get along with Mr. Aaron Poole at all."

"Poole is a hard man—we all know that. I suppose he thought he'd get this for a song, and then hold it for a big rise. Now, tell me truthfully,