I will accept transportation in your very safe, but undeniably slow equipage as a retainer." "Captain Sproule used to say," I said, "that what you pay the lawyer is the least of the matter when you go to law." "Wise Captain Sproule," replied N.V.; "and my rule shall be to keep my first client, Mr.Jacob T.Vandemark, out of the courts; and in addition to my prospective legal services, I can wield the goad-stick and manipulate the blacksnake.

Moreover, when these feet of mine get their blisters healed, I can help drive the cattle; and I can gather firewood, kindle fires, and perhaps I may suggest that my conversation may not be entirely unprofitable." I told him I would take him in as a passenger; and there our life-long friendship began.

His conversation was not unprofitable.

He had the vision of the future of Iowa which I had until then lacked.

He could see on every quarter-section a prosperous farm, and he knew what the building of the railways must mean.