You have been alway's
opposed to this, and I'm glad to hear it."
"No man, Colonel B------, filling the situation which I have the honor
to hold under you, could study your interests with greater zeal and
assiduity. God knows, I have had so many quarrels, and feuds, and
wranglings, with these fellows, in order to squeeze money out of them to
meet your difficulties, that, upon my honor, I think if it required
five dozen oaths to hang me, they could be procured upon your estate. An
agent, Colonel, who is faithful to the landlord, is seldom popular with
the tenants."
"I can't exactly see that, Carson; and I have known an unpopular
landlord rendered highly popular by the judicious management of an
enlightened and honest agent, who took no bribes, Carson, and who
neither extorted from nor ground the tenantry under him--something like
a counterpart of yourself. But you may be right in general."
"Is there anything particular, Colonel, in which I can assist you now?"
"Not now. I was anxious to hear the character of those fellows from
you who know them. Come down about eleven or twelve o'clock; these
petitioners will be assembled, and you may be able to assist me."
"Colonel, remember I forewarn you, that you are plunging into a mesh
of difficulties, which you will never be able to disentangle. Leave
the fellows to me, sir; I know how to deal with them. Besides, upon my
honor, you are not equal to it, in point of health. You look ill. Pray
allow me to take home their papers, and I shall have all clear and
satisfactory before two o'clock.
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