The diamond drill., 1919-03-15

me then / remember that it gave
Time a rather slow foot. j wrote the
words very neatly and plainly on
sheet of paper and mailed IL TO Mrs.
Dunkelberg. wondered If Sally would
stand firm, and longed TO know the
secrets of the future. More than ever
i was resolved to be the principal wilt
ness I'm some great matter, as my
friend in Ashery lane had put IL.
was eight months with Wright &
Baldwin when l was offered a clerk
ship in the office of Judge Westbrook.
nt Cobleskill, in Schoharle county, at
two hundred year and my board. i
knew not then just how the offer had
come, but knew that the senator must
have recommended me. i know now
that he wanted reliable witness OF
the rent troubles which were growing
acute In Schoharie. Delaware and Co
dumbia counties.
, II Tas trial TO go so far from
home. as Aunt Deel put II, but both my
aunt and uncle agreed that IL was "for
the best"
How II wrung my heart, when Mr..
Purvls and got into the stage at Cam
ton, to see my aunt and uncle standing
by the front wheel looking up at me.
How old and lonely and forlorn they
looked Aunt Deel had her purse In
her hand. / remember how she took a
dollar out Of it-I suppose II was the
only dollar she had--and looked ut IL
moment and then handed IL up TO
me.
you better take It," she said. I'm
'fraid you won't have enough"
How her hand and lips trembledl
have always kept that dollar.
Icouldn't see them as we drove away.
The Judge received rue kindly and
gave Purvis job In his garden.
was able TO take his dictatlon In sound
hand and spent most OF my time In
taking down contracts and correspond
ence and drafting them into proper
form. which had the knack OF doing
rather neatly. i was impressed by the
immensely Of certain towns in the
neighborhood, and there were some
temptations In my way. Many people,
and especially the prominent men, in
dulged In ardent spirits.
We had near US there little section
of the old world which was trying, In
half-hearted fashion, TO maintain II
self in the midst OF democracy. It
was the immortal life of the PATRONS
"a relic OF ancient feudalism which
had its beginning in 1929. when the
West Indies company issued its char
ter OF privileges and exemptions. Tint
charter offered 20 any member Of the
company who should, within four
years, bring fifty adults TO the New
Netherlands and establish them along
the Hudson. a liberal grant OF land, to
be called n manor, of which the owner
or PATRON should be full proprietor
and chief magistrate. The settlers
were 10 be exempt from taxation for
ten years, but under bond TO stay in
one place and develop IT, In the be-
ginning the PATRON built houses and
barns and furnished cattle, seed and
tools. The tenants for themselves and
their heirs agreed to pay him a fixed
rent forever In stock and produce and,
further, TO grind at the owners mill
and neither to hunt nor fish.
Judge Westbrook. In whose office I
worked, was counsel and collector for
the PATRONS. notably for the manors
OF Livingston and Van Renssalaer-
two little kingdoms In the heart OF the
great republic.
Mr.. Louis Latour Of Jefferson coun-
~. whom had met In the company of
Mr.. Dunkelberg, came during my last
year there 10 study law In the office of
the Judge, "A privilege for which he was
indebted 10 the influence of Senator
Wright, l understood. He was a gay
Lothario, always boasting OF his love
affairs, and had little to do with him
One day In May near the end of my
two years I'm Cobleslill Judge West
brook gave me two wrlts to serve on
settlers In the neighborhood OF Bald
win Heights for nonpnyment Of rent
He told me what / knew. that there
wns bitter feeling against the patroons
in that vicinity and that / might en-
counter opposition 60 the service OF
the writs. IL so was not to press the
matter. but bring them back and h,
would give them 20 the sheriff.
'T do not insist on your taking thii
task upon you." he added. II want {
man of tact TO 20 and talk with thes,
people and get their point OF view. Il
you don't care TO undertake II I'll sent
another man."
81 think I would enjoy the task"
said In ignorance Of that hornets mes
back In the hills.
''Take Purvis with you." he said
HE can take care OF the horses. ant
as those back-country folk are Ittl
iawless II will be just as well TO hav,
a witness with you. They tell me tha
Purvis Is n man Of nerve and vigor."
had drafted my letters for the da,
and was about 20 close my desk an,
start on my journey when Louis La
tour came In and announced that h,
Ind hrought the vVrifa frorx, thn futo,