CHAPTER II.
THE AGENT.
The Major hunted up the real estate dealer's former letter as soon as he reached his office next morning.

The printed letter-head, somewhat blurred, because too much ink had been used, read as follows: Marshall McMahon McNutt, Real Estate Dealer & Horses to Pasture by the week or month.
Also Plymouth Rock Hens & Road Commissioner Agent for Radley's Lives of the Saints Insurance and Watermelons My Specialty Millville, Mount County, N.Y.
The Major shook his head doubtfully as he read the above announcement; but Mr.McNutt was the only known person to whom he could appeal to carry out John Merrick's orders.

So he dictated the following letter: _Dear Sir_: _Mr.John Merrick, the present owner of the Wegg farm at Millville, desires to spend his summer vacation on the premises, and therefore requests you to have the house and grounds put in first-class shape as soon as possible, and to notify me directly the work is done.

Have the house thoroughly cleaned, the grass mowed around it and the barns and outbuildings repaired wherever it may be necessary.

You are also instructed to procure for Mr.Merrick's use a good Jersey cow, some pigs and a dozen or so barnyard fowls.