The Mystery of Monastery Farm | Page 3

After some search on the part of the minister the paper containing the
announcement was found. Billy, having eagerly read the advertisement,
thanked the minister, pushed the paper into his pocket, and speedily left
the house. He returned to the humble apartment that he had secured,
and as the little family partook of their frugal evening meal, his wife
Nancy, addressing her husband, said: "I think we had better get out of

this expensive city, somewhere into the country, where it is cheaper
living, and where you may find something to do more to your liking."
"Well, Nancy," replied Billy, "this is the second time today that this
advice has been given me, for," he added, pulling the newspaper from
his pocket, "a minister gave me a paper in which there is an
advertisement for a farmer, and advised me to look into it. Here it is,"
and he read as follows:
"WANTED--A FARMER. Wanted, competent man, not afraid of work,
to take charge of a farm of two hundred acres in ---- County, New York.
A good house to live in, and good wages to the right man. References
required. Apply by mail or in person to J. M. Quintin, Centerville
Landing, ---- County, New York."
"Why," exclaimed Nancy, "I believe that is providential."
After pondering the subject awhile Billy wrote to Mr. Quintin,
enclosing his credentials, and mailed the letter immediately.
In less than a week he received the following reply:
"William Sparrow, Esq., New York.
"I have just received your application for the position on Monastery
Farm in answer to my advertisement. In replying I want to be candid
with you. In a word, unless you are an expert farmer your application
cannot be considered. If, therefore, you have any doubts about being
able to meet the requirements, there is no need for further
correspondence. This is a first-class farm and must be worked by
first-class methods. The opening is an especially good one for the right
man. Perhaps you had better come up and see the place, and give us a
chance to see you. Come by boat to Centerville Landing. Let me know
the time of your arrival, should you decide to come, and someone will
meet you.
"J.W. QUINTIN, Trustee."

Billy read this letter with somewhat mixed feelings. There was no
mistaking its meaning. This man spoke out. Its very brusqueness
disconcerted the unsophisticated young man. His experience was quite
limited. He had managed his father's one-hundred-acre farm several
years, and it had paid very well. But he had always had his father's
advice; of which he would be deprived in this his greater work. He read
the letter to Nancy, and she was similarly impressed.
Finally Billy remarked: "I will find the preacher and ask his advice,"
and without further words he started to Washington Square, where his
newly-found friend lived.
He was ushered into the library. He had never seen so many books
before in one place. While he was glancing around in his surprise, the
preacher entered. "Good evening, Mr. Sparrow," he said. "How are you?
Have you found any employment yet?"
Billy handed him the letter which had brought him there, saying: "I
received this letter today, and, if you please, I should like to have your
advice about it."
The preacher opened the letter, and as he did so gave a little start. Then
he smiled as he glanced down at the signature. He finished reading with
a decidedly happy expression on his face, and Billy asked: "Can you
tell me about this place, and of the man?"
"O, yes," was the ready reply, "I know both the place and the man; the
fact is, that is my county, and Quintin is my friend. I never had a better
friend than Jerry Quintin. I always spend my vacation there. I lived
there from the time I was ten years old until I was twenty-three, and
always go there in summertime for a few weeks' rest--occupying my
old room, eating with the boys, and roaming in the woods; I know
every tree and bypath; yes, and many a swim have I had in the old river.
Jerry Quintin," he continued, "as we used to call him. Why, I've known
him since I was a child. Do you want to hear about him? Well, when he
was a youth, not quite out of his teens, Mr. Thorndyke gave the land on
which the Monastery stands, Quintin was made chairman of the board
of trustees, and treasurer also. He has handled every dollar of the funds,

superintended the erection of all the buildings, the laying off of the
Monastery Park, and had charge of the farm; and through all the years
no auditing committee had ever found an inaccuracy in his accounts.
Foresight, sagacity, rectitude