"I guess I'll take the check," he said sullenly.
Crossing the floor, George took a pen and some paper from a shelf.
"Sit here," he said, when he came back, "and write me a receipt."
The other did as he was bidden, and George pointed toward the door.
"That's settled; I won't keep you."
The man looked hard at him, and then went quietly out; and Grant leaned back in his seat with a soft laugh.
"You fixed him," he remarked. "He has the name of being a tough."
"I suppose an Englishman newly out is considered lawful prey."
"A few of them deserve it," Grant returned dryly. "But let that go.
What do you think of the place?"
George felt that he could trust the farmer. He had spent a depressing day, during which all he saw had discouraged him. Marston had farmed in a singularly wasteful manner; fences and outbuildings were in very bad repair; half the implements were useless; and it would be a long and costly task to put things straight.