The old man, years ago, when corn farming paid so handsomely, had been induced by the prospect of profit to take a second and yet larger farm, nearly all arable.

To do this he was obliged, in farming phrase, to 'take up'-- _i.e._ to borrow--a thousand pounds, which was advanced to him by the bank.

Being a man of substance, well reputed, and at that date with many friends, the thousand pounds was forthcoming readily, and on favourable terms.

The enterprise, however, did not prosper; times changed, and wheat was not so profitable.

In the end he had the wisdom to accept his losses and relinquish the second farm before it ate him up.