He was popular in the neighborhood, since his weaknesses were rather attractive than repellent to people who did not suffer from them.

Men who drove long distances from their lonely farms liked a cheerful talk and to hear the latest joke; others enjoyed a game of cards in the back office when Mrs.Charnock was not about.

Besides, it was known that Keller's was straight; one got full weight and value when one dealt there.
Trade, moreover, was unusually good.

Settlers looking for land filled the hotel, and now elevators were to be built, farmers hired extra labor and broke new soil.

Household supplies were purchased on an unprecedented scale, and when snow melted the hotel stables were occupied by rough-coated teams, while wagons, foul with the mud of the prairie trails, waited for their loads in front of the store.