But there, a farmer should
never be liable for a trader. Let farmers endorse each other if they
will; they know each other's risks and resources. But they know little
of the risks and insecurities of trade, and less of the chances of
deception connected with it, and they should never endorse for traders,
or loan their notes. Hundreds of fine farms go in this way to pay
other people's debts."

"But must my farm go to pay those notes?" asked Fabens, turning still
whiter in the face, and sweating almost blood. "_My_ farm, that I have
worked so hard for? my comfortable home? Must it go, and leave us
destitute now as old age comes in sight? It is hard to think of these
things. And what will my poor wife say? and how can she endure this
trouble? I will pay the notes, if it takes all I have, and the coat
from my back, in the bargain; but I beg you don't sue me. I never was
sued in my life. Don't injure my character, or make me unnecessary
cost."

Everything proved just as they informed him, and he went home
heavy-hearted, to relate what he had heard. Mrs. Fabens and Fanny were
deeply grieved by the thought, that he stood so largely liable on
Fairbanks' account. But they bore the shock with a composure, which
comforted Fabens greatly; and such hopefulness had ever been the
blessing of them all, before another week, they had nearly recovered
from the first agitation, and begun to contrive how they should manage
to make the best of the misfortune.

It was nothing against their firm religious faith in overruling Good,
nor against their fortitude, or self-reliance, to say that at first
they yielded to agitations and griefs. It would have been unnatural in
them not to be moved. For the present it was a calamity which they
must suffer. Their old farm was dear to them, every acre of it. To
its woods and waters; to its fine pastures and green meadows; its
generous fruit-trees and grateful shade-trees, they were tenderly
attached, looking upon them with family affection; and how could an
item of that sweet home be spared? They doubted not but God would
control the event for good; but it could not displease him to behold
this feeling in his children. How could they adjust their faith to the
event and be resigned so suddenly? It was hard to bear the stroke. It
cut to the tender quick, and they shuddered and wept. It was hard to
think the unworthy should be agents, to bring the disguised blessing
which would fol