Tom shook his head ruefully and admitted,, "I declare, Jim, when a feller
comes to think it all over, you ARE in a bad fix, especially as you feel. I
thought I could talk you over into practical common sense in no time. It's
easy enough when one don't know all the bearin's of a case, to think
carelessly, 'Oh, he aint as bad off as he thinks he is. He can do this and
that and the t'other thing.' But when you come to look it all over, you find
he can't, except at a big loss. Of course, you can give away your farm on
which you were doing well and getting ahead, though how you did it, I can't
see. You'd have to about give it away if you forced a sale, and where on
earth you'll find a tenant who'll pay anything worth considering--But there's
no use of croaking. I wish I could help you, old feller. By jocks! I believe
I can. There's an old woman here who's right smart and handy when she can't
get her bottle filled. I believe she'd be glad to go with you, for she don't
like our board and lodging over much."

"Do you think she'd go tonight?"

"Oh, yes! Guess so. A little cold water'll be a good change for her."

Mrs. Wiggins was seen, and feeling that any change would be for the better,
readily agreed to go for very moderate wages. Holcroft looked dubiously at
the woman's heavy form and heavier face, but felt that it was the best he
could do. Squeezing Mrs. Watterly's cold, limp hand in a way that would have
thawed a lump of ice, he said "goodby;" and then declaring that he would
rather do his own harnessing for a night ride, he went out into the storm.
Tom put on his rubber coat and went to the barn with his friend, toward whom
he cherished honest good will.

"By jocks!" he ejaculated sympathetically, "but you have hard lines, Jim.
What in thunder would I do with two such widdy women to look after my house!"