“The brokers in Chicago got the cash and you got the notes?”

“You’ve said it.  I’ve got a drawer full of notes.”

“And you’ve quit farmin’?”

“Say, I’ll tell ye the land has gone up so it wouldn’t pay.  Peasley an’ I cal’ate that we’re goin’ to git rich this summer sellin’ lots.”

“Wake up, man.  You’re dreamin’,” said Samson.

Henry came dose to Samson and said in a confidential tone:  “Say, mebbe the whole state is dreamin’ an’ yellin’ in its sleep ‘bout canals an’ schools an’ factories an’ mills an’ railroads.  We’re havin’ a good time anyway.”

This reminded Abe Lincoln of the story: 

“There was a man in Pope County who came home one evening and sat down in the middle of the barn floor and began to sing.  His wife asked him: 

“‘Are you drunk or crazy or a fool?’

“’I don’t know what you’d call it, but I know I ain’t got a darn bit to spare,’ he answered, with a whoop of joy.”

“You’re all goin’ to roll out o’ bed and hit the floor with a bump,” said Samson.

Brimstead declared in his usual tone of confidence: 

“The worst part o’ bein’ a fool is lonesomeness.  I was the only one in Flea Valley.  Now I shall be in the company of a Governor an’ dozens o’ well known statesmen.  You’ll be the only lonesome man in Illinois.”

“I sometimes fear that he will enjoy the loneliness of wisdom,” said Honest Abe.

“In some parts of the state every farmer owns his own private city,” Samson declared.  “I hope Henry Brimstead does as well raising cities as he did raising grain.  He was a very successful farmer.”

“I knew you’d make fun o’ me but when you come again you’ll see the towers an’ steeples,” said Brimstead.  “Put up your horses and come into the house and see the first lady of El Dorado.”

Mrs. Brimstead had their dinner cooking before the horses were cared for.  Samson went into the house while Henry was showing his El Dorado map to the others.

“Well, what do you think of Henry’s plans?” she asked.

“I like the farm better.”

“So do I,” the woman declared.  “But the men around here have gone crazy with dreams of sudden wealth.  I kept Henry busy on the farm as long as I could.”

“I’ve only a word of advice about it.  If those Chicago men sell any more of your land make them take the notes and you take the money.  Where is Annabel?”

“Teaching the school at Hopedale.”

“We’re going up to Chicago to see the Kelsos,” said Samson.

“Glad you are.  Some rich feller up there by the name of Davis has fallen in love with Bim an’ he don’t give her any peace.  He left here last night goin’ north.  Owns a lot o’ land in Tazewell County an’ wears a diamond in his shirt as big as your thumb nail.  Bim has been teaching school in Chicago this winter.  It must be a wonderful place.  Every one has loads of money.  The stores an’ houses are as thick as the hair on a dog’s back-some of ’em as big as all outdoors.”