The story used to be told
of him that he called at my father's house one day to get
some advice as to a matter of law. Father was at dinner
and went to the door himself. Mr. Adams stated his case in
a word or two as he stood on the door-step, to which father
gave him his answer, the whole conversation not lasting more
than two minutes.
He asked Mr. Hoar what he should pay, and father said, "Five
dollars." Mr. Adams paid it at once, and father said, "By
the way, there is a little trouble with my pump. It does
not draw. Will you just look at it?" So Mr. Adams went
around the corner of the shed, moved the handle of the pump,
and put his hand down and fixed a little spigot which was
in the side, which had got loose, and the pump worked perfectly.
Father said, "Thank you, sir." To which Adams replied: "It
will be five dollars, Mr. Hoar," and father gave him back
the same bill he had just taken.
I am afraid the sympathy of the people who told the story
was with the pump-maker and not with the lawyer.
The great kitchen fireplace presented a very cheerful appearance
compared with the black range or stove of to-day.
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