Hough, Emerson: The Purchase Price. V1. 23 July 2101
 

Hough, Emerson, 1857-1923
Hough was born in Newton, Iowa on June 28,1857. He was in the town high school's first graduating class of three in 1875. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor's degree in philosophy in 1880 and later studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1882. His first article, "Far From The Madding Crowd," was published in Forest and Stream in 1882

Excerpt
"Madam, you are charming! You have not slept, and yet you smile. No man could ask a better prisoner."
She turned to him, smiling faintly.
"I thank you. At least we have had breakfast, and for such mercy I am grateful to my jailer. I admit I was famished. What now?"
With just the turn of a shoulder she indicated the water front, where, at the end of the dock on which they stood, lay the good ship, Mount Vernon, river packet, the black smoke already pouring from her stacks. In turn he smiled and also shrugged a shoulder.