I guess they had thought before, that my people were poor as church mice.

I happened to mention how much land I had helped earn for my brothers, and they seemed so interested I finished the job.

Well, after they had heard about the Land King, it made a noticeable difference in their treatment of me.
Not that they weren't always fine, but it made, I scarcely know how to put it, it was so intangible--but it was a difference, an added respect.

You bet money is a power! I can see why Father hangs on to those deeds, when I get out in the world.

They are his compensation for his years of hard work, the material evidence that he has succeeded in what he undertook.