ow
himself to be despondent, that would be unmanly; he must hope, wait, and
work. Surely his star of destiny augured well for his future. Doubt he
could not; doubt he would not! Yes, he would banish all thought of
parting. He would think of the work, of its demands, of how Fern had
helped him to prepare for it. Oh how proud he was of the peerless girl
that had grown so dear to him! As he recalled the many hours they had
spent together in discussing the plans of Fennimore Fenwick; as applied
to the several stages of development of the model farm, how he had
admired and appreciated Fern's brilliant ideas, her pertinent
suggestions, her wonderful power to foresee administrative difficulties
and to provide most efficiently against them. How well these
accomplishments attested the high order of her intellectual training;
how perfectly they demonstrated the astuteness of her power of thought,
when applied to practical subjects. With such mental and spiritual
attributes, supplemented and intensified by the deep inspiration and the
awe inspiring majesty of her mediumship, how immeasurably superior she
appeared when compared with other women. What problem in life so knotty
that she could not solve? With the aid of such a matchless woman, how
could he fail in the work before him?

Together Fern and Fillmore had examined many maps for the purpose of
deciding on the particular states to be inspected during the coming
tour. The great south-west seemed to offer the best field for choosing.
The Indian lands, just coming into market, were not to be ignored. They
were located in a climate that would promote the growth of a large
variety of crops, therefore were especially desirable. Much time was
spent by them in going over these important questions very carefully.
Fennimore Fenwick, from time to time, had given his opinion on many
doubtful points. Now everything was settled. Tomorrow Fillmore Flagg was
to start for the rich lands of the great west and south-west, with
careful instructions to keep Fern Fenwick informed, by frequent letters,
of his progress and whereabouts. Whenever a particular plot of ground
was selected, Fern was to send him a certified check for its purchase.
This plan was to be followed until all of the desired plots had been
secured. The preparatory work on the model farm was then to be
commenced.

On the eve of his departure, Fillmore Flagg in reviewing these
arrangements, began to perceive that many days must p