Chapter 69. Thulium
The last few hours had been full of surprises to Asher Ferry, but he had adjusted himself to them with the promptness that made him what he was, a great manufacturer.
At supper he was destined to new surprise. He discovered Ambrose Rich, a professor who seemed to understand farming. It was a much greater shock to Asher than the discovery of a friend in Chase Mahan. He was curious to press the matter farther, and see on how large a scale the old fellow could conceive of handling earth.
“I want to wash the dishes,” said Asher.
“I want to wipe them,” said Ambrose.
“I want to put them away,” said Chase.
“I’d like to see you do it,” said Jean.
She sat down on the woodbox, and Marvin joined her.
The manufacturer did the silver and glasses in silence. Then he carefully picked up a piece of Worcester Royal.
“Professor, if you had a tract of land ’most as big as Rhode Island, what would you do?”