They would have shrunk from any venture, and continued in the old course to the end of their time.
Old Hodson, mean to the last degree in his way of living, narrow to the narrowest point where sixpence could be got, nevertheless had a mind.

He saw that his opportunity had come, and he struck.

He took the great corn farm, and left his little place.

The whole country side at once pronounced him mad, and naturally anticipated his failure.

The country side did not yet understand two things.