The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-02-04

To tell the truth, Mill Rush, was of so little value, and had been hopelessly for sale so long, that he had forgotten all about it. It was not a farm-not as farms go in Iowa. It comprised about 10 acres of land which could not possibly be formed with the exception of a few small separated garden spots. The tillable land had been sold away from the house in every direction, 20. 40 or 60 acres at a. time, to en- large good farms adjoining
 The house on Mill Rush was not a farmhouse either. 1t was im- practical. rambling and attractive, built on gray stone and time stained shingles. with queer porches here and there. and with an oddly gabled attic.
 The house. indeed the entire establishment was the work of a man who had greater talent for life than agriculture. And upon his in- evitable failure, he had let the farm go to Joplin Westbury on a mort gage and returned to his home in the East. And Joplin. realizing that a farm endowed with an artistic, charming cottage with a small inn practical stable, located at a pie
 
 Rabbit River, was not in any sense an agricultural prize in Iowa. had cleverly managed the sale of the valuable farm land, bit by bit, leav- ing the house and it's 10 acres of scattered hrushwood, rocky bluffs and scattered bits of garden land to fall into complete and becomin1 decay.
 As soon as Joplin realized that it was indeed that very useless bit of rocky, brush-grown land that Mrs Brooks was interested in, the nat ural enthusiasm of the realtor swept into his voice.
 Mill Rush-sure I know where you mean-out on the Rabbit. Gosh what a site! What view. It's a swell place! Ideal location. Mill Rush is right on the rocks, right in the woods, right by the river. Falls just a little above the house, and the best fishing pool on the river right behind it. Ideal for a summer home for a town woman like your self.'
 'Can-i-t be farmed?" asked Mrs Brooks anxiously.
 Earned? Sure it can be farmeI. All Iowa can be farmed. Greatest little farming state in the union!"
 T thought it would be too rocky" she said slowly. She was relieved, and it was gratitude that slowed her voice. Ten acres of beans and peas and garden truck-and a sum- mer to can it for her winters use. Pm glad it can be farmed," she added.
 Well, of course, it cant all be farmed, not every foot of it." eX- plained Joplin Westbury. What can you expect at that price?
 What price is it?" She asked the question in simple interest, but Joplin took it for a sly defense.
 His soul as a realtor was torn within him. He wished to obtain every available cent for the place, but he knew that Mrs Brooks had very little money at best and that she-the only nibbler at this none too-tempting bait-might be easily deterred from purchase.
 He did not wish to scare her off He knew only too well that from the common ulitarian standards of southeastern Iowa the place was worthless. The house had fallen into disrcpair, the place was all grown up to weeds and brush, and it lay entirely off the good state road at the end If about mile and a half of the worst wood lane of which even Iowa is capable.
 He spoke guardedly Well. there's about 10 acres" ne said. Right on the river. woods--'
 Isn't it too bad about the rocks?" Mrs Brooks spoke from her heart, for 10 acres of garden would mean almost wealth. But Joplin thought it was just her slick way of remind ing him that the place was no good.
 Its q very nice house." he said vaguely.
 "Is it indeed?' she demanded hopefully. ''I was afraid it would be all tumble-down by this time"
 Plainly those inquiries of hers displayed hut moderate interest.
 Well, of courae it's run down bit," he agreed. "Chimneys down maybe and some windows out. Needs painting and clustering and what-not. Foundations have to be frightened up. l suppose and roof repaired. But it's q good house, and that's the main thing
 "Oh, dear" said Jenky. If it's got to be painted and plastered, and have new doors and windows and q new foundation and a new roof you might as we'll build q new house. Nothing there but the walls
 Her voice was anxious. because