"I left the army because a financial disaster for which I wasn't responsible stopped my allowance, and I was in debt.
Eventually, about two thousand pounds were saved out of the wreck; and I came here with that, feeling badly hipped.

Perhaps that was one reason why I took to whisky; and Clarke, who engaged to teach me farming, saw that I got plenty of it.

Now he has his hands on all that's mine; but he keeps me fairly supplied with cash, and it saves trouble to leave things to him." When Benson stopped, Blake made a sign of comprehension, for he knew that somewhat exceptional qualities are required of the man who undertakes the breaking of virgin prairie in the remoter districts.

He must have unflinching courage and stubbornness, and be able to dispense with all the comforts and amenities of civilized life.

No interests are offered him beyond those connected with his task; for half the year he must toil unremittingly from dawn till dark, and depend upon his own resources through the long, bitter winter.