as if we had tumbled into the Washita.

"It will take money, Mr. Cooke," said Farrar, "and you haven't won the
suit yet."

"Damn the money!" said Mr. Cooke, and we knew he meant it.

Over the episodes of that interminable morning it will, be better to
pass lightly. It was spent by Farrar and me in misery. It was spent by
Mr. Farquhar Fenelon Cooke in an ecstasy of enjoyment, driving over and
laying out Mohair, and I must admit he evinced a surprising genius
in his planning, although, according to Farrar, he broke every sacred
precept of landscape gardening again and again. He displayed the
enthusiasm of a pioneer, and the energy of a Napoleon. And if he were
too ignorant to accord to nature a word of praise, he had the grace
and intelligence to compliment Farrar on the superb condition of the
forests, and on the judgment shown in laying out the roads, which were
so well chosen that even in this season they were well drained and dry.
That day, too, my views were materially broadened, and I received an
insight into the methods and possibilities of my friend's profession
sufficient to instil a deeper respect both for it and for him. The
crowded spots had been skilfully thinned of the older trees to give the
younger ones a chance, and the harmony of the whole had been carefully
worked out. Now we drove under dark pines and hemlocks, and then into
a lighter relief of birches and wild cherries, or a copse of young
beeches. And I learned that the estate had not only been paying the
taxes and its portion of Farrar's salary, but also a considerable amount
into Mr. Cooke's pocket the while it was being improved.

Mr. Cooke made his permanent quarters at the Lake House, and soon became
one of the best-known characters about town. He seemed to enjoy his
popularity, and I am convinced that he would have been popular in
spite of his now-famous quarrel with the railroad. His easy command
of profanity, his generous use of money, his predilection for sporting
characters, of whom he was king; his ready geniality and good-fellowship
alike with the clerk of the Lake House or the Mayor, not to mention his
own undeniable personality, all combined to make him a favorite. He had
his own especial table in the dining-room, called all the waiters by
their first names, and they fought for the privilege of attending him.
He likewise called the barkeepers by their first names, and had his own
particular corner of the bar, where none dared intrude