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Show Page 80 "I'll make them of course. Already I've found me an old hollow ash, not yet dead, that will make especially fine soap ashes. And I saw an elm on my way here that has already fallen. It will be a simple matter to burn the two and collect the ashes. It may take me a long time ere I have enough to buy even a small plot of land," I added hastily when I saw the look on Anne's disbelieving face, "but do it I shall. If I can buy even a half acre it will be enough, for one person can easily work a half acre, and the yield can be as high as four hundred pounds. " "Four hundred pounds of what?" asked Anne. "Why, tobacco of course." Even as I spoke I realized that was not what I had meant to say. I had no intention of growing tobacco-that foul-smelling weed of which so many folk were enamored. Yet the words came out as though all along part of me had been planning to do just that. Knowing I would appear addlepated if I made haste to correct my error, I sat silent, praying I had not made a mistake in telling Anne. "Why, in James Towne the Assembly itself set the price of the best tobacco at three shillings a pound," I added in a lame voice. "Six times what wheat earns." I needn't have worried. Anne put her arm about my shoulders and gave me a squeeze. "I think it's wonderful, Sarah," she said. "A body is hard put to find a reason to go on without a dream to live for. I wish you every bit of success." |