Now when a man concludes to open a store, the best place that he can have for his business is near the mills and the blacksmith's shop; because the people have to come there on other business, and so that is the most convenient place for them to visit his store.

And so, by and by, when a carpenter and a mason come into the country, the little village which has thus begun to form itself, is the best place for them to settle in, for that is the place where people can most conveniently call and see them.

After a while a physician comes and settles there, to heal them when they are sick, and a lawyer to prevent disputes." "To _prevent_ disputes!" said Marco.

Marco had not much idea of the nature of a lawyer's business, but he had a sort of undefined and vague notion, that lawyers _made_ disputes among men, and lived by them.
"Why, I know," said Forester, laughing, "that lawyers have not the credit, generally, of preventing many disputes, but I believe they do.
Perhaps it is because I am going to be a lawyer myself.

But I really believe that lawyers prevent ten disputes, where they occasion one." "How do they do it ?" asked Marco.
"Why, they make contracts, and draw up writings, and teach men to be clear and distinct in their engagements and bargains.