"This thing isn't to be pitched into in a hurry," said Rufe, more excited than he wished to appear. "We shall have to look it all over, and talk with the pump-maker, and do up some of the farm-work that is behindhand."
"Why don't you take the farm of your father," said Jack, "and see what you can make out of it? I never knew what it was to be really interested in work till I took some land with another boy, and we raised a crop on our own account."
Rufe brightened at the idea; but Wad said he wasn't going to be a farmer, anyway.
"What are you going to be?"
"I haven't made up my mind yet."
"Till you do make up your mind, my advice is for you to take hold of what first comes to your hand, do that well, and prepare yourself for something more to your liking."
"I believe that's good advice," said Rufe. "But it is going to be hard for us to get out of the old ruts."
"I know it; and so much the more credit you will have when you succeed."
Jack moved away.
"Where are you going now?" Rufe asked.