FOLKS FROM DIXIE
you going to do with that big back yard of yours?"
"Oh, nothin'. 'Tain't no 'count to raise nothin' in."
"It may not be fit for vegetables, but it will raise something."
"What?"
"Chickens. That's what."
Elias laughed sympathetically.
"I'd lak to eat de chickens I raise. I would n't want to be feedin' de neighbourhood."
"Plenty of boards, slats, wire, and a good lock and key would fix that all right."
"Yes, but whah 'm I gwine to git all dem things?"
"Why, I'll go in with you and furnish the money, and help you build the coops. Then you can sell chickens and eggs, and we'll go halves on the profits."
"Hush, man!" cried 'Lias, in delight. So the matter was settled, and, as Aunt Caroline expressed it, "Fu' a week er sich a mattah, you nevah did see sich ta'in' down an' buildin' up in all yo' bo'n days."
'Lias went at the work with zest, and Dokes-
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