Werner answered affirmatively.
"And now, all at once, wants to become a farmer?"
"A farmer's life has been described to me," replied the other, "by several friends, as most suitable for a German."
"Oh, ah! Yes, I dare say!" growled Dr. Wisslock, nodding his head, significantly; "I dare say, picturesque landscape—hanging woods and rocks—creepers and wild vines—bleating herds, and bear's flesh—the usual dream. You'll find out your mistake."
"I scarcely think so," said Werner, smiling; "what I have hitherto seen of the country, pleases me much."
"You'll think differently when you come to handle the axe and the plough," grumbled the old fellow, by no means more agreeably disposed by this reply. "Here, in the woods, there is no getting on without work, nor without right-down hard work either; we can't buy little niggers and blackamoors, directly. Do you intend to settle?"
"It's already done," replied Werner, rather shortly, for the reception of the old man began to displease him.
"Already done?" he asked, surprised, as he stopped a pinch of snuff midway to his nose. "Already done! why, how long has the young gentleman been in America, then?" and he opened the letter again, and looked at its date.
"Almost a year, and for the last half-year I have been your neighbour, though rather a distant one."