"The dickens you did!" exclaimed Endicott. "What did you do that for?"
"Well, it was there and I could, and I wanted to know about it."
"H'm!" said Endicott. "I wonder what some of my pedigreed million-dollar friend's sons would think of that? Well, go on."
"Why, that's all," laughed Michael happily. "I studied it and I want to try it and see what I can do with it. I want to buy a farm."
"How would you manage to be a farmer and a lawyer both?"
"Well, I thought there might he a little time after hours to work, and I could tell others how--"
"Oh, I see you want to be a gentleman farmer," laughed Endicott. "I understand that's expensive business."
"I think I could make it pay, sir." said Michael shutting his lips with that firm challenge of his. "I'd like to try."
Endicott looked at him quizzically for a minute and then whirling around in his office chair he reached out his hand to a pigeon hole and took out a deed.
"I've a mind to let you have your try," said Endicott, chuckling as if it were a good joke. "Here's a little farm down in Jersey. It's swampy and thick with mosquitoes. I understand it won't grow a beanstalk. There are twelve acres and a tumble-down house on it. I've had to take it in settlement of a mortgage. The man's dead and there's nothing but the farm to lay hands on. He hasn't even left a chick or child to leave his debt to. I don't want the farm and I can't sell it without a lot of trouble. I'll give it to you. You may consider it a birthday present. If you'll pay the taxes I'll be glad to get it off my hands. That'll be something for you to be independent about."
He touched a bell and a boy appeared.
"Take this to Jowett and tell him to have a deed made out to Michael Endicott, and to attend to the transfer of the property, nominal sum. Understand?"
The boy said, "Yes, sir," and disappeared with the paper.
"But I can't take a present like that from you after all you have done for me," gasped Michael, a granite determination showing in his blue eyes. "Nonsense," said Endicott. "Other men give their sons automobiles when they come of age. Mayn't I give you a farm if I like? Besides, I tell you it's of no account. I want to get rid of it, and I want to see what you'll make of it. I'd like to amuse myself seeing you try your experiment."