“To us, I mean,” declared the Harvester. “Don't you know that the 'worldly goods bestowal' clause in a marriage ceremony is a partial reality. It doesn't give you 'all my worldly goods,' but it gives you one third. Which will you take, the hill, lake, marsh, or a part of all of them.”
“Oh, is there water?”
“Did I forget to mention that I was formerly sole owner and proprietor of the lake of Lost Loons, also a brook of Singing Water, and many cold springs. The lake covers about one third of our land, and my neighbours would allow me ditch outlet to the river, but they say I'm too lazy to take it.”
“Lazy! Do they mean drain your lake into the river?”
“They do,” said the Harvester, “and make the bed into a cornfield.”
“But you wouldn't?”
She turned to him with confidence.
“I haven't so far, but of course, when you see it, if you would prefer it in a corn——Let's play a game! Turn your head in this direction,” he indicated with the whip, “close your eyes, and open them when I say ready.”
“All right!”
“Now!” said the Harvester.