[♪]
Digger... go!
Digger, no give me the stick.
Digger, would you let go of that!
[struggling]
Alright, you win!
Go fetch.
Dog's gone stir-crazy.
Digger! Come here!
No one listens to me ... not even the dog ...
[barking]
Digger! What's gotten into you today, boy?
[barking]
Great.
Just what I need.
A fox hound.
Well, no.
You've gotten into enough trouble today.
[♪]
Where have you been?
Digger ran off, I had to go after him.
I'll take over ...
Thank you.
Now that I've already done most of it.
I'm sorry.
As if I don't have enough to worry about
with Mother and Father away.
Shhhhhhhh ...
Quietly, Felix.
I've just put Daniel down for a nap.
Doesn't he have his nap in the afternoon?
The poor lad had a restless night.
He's very overtired and a bit cranky this morning.
Yeah, well, he's not the only one.
Felicity about bit my head off.
Well, you were rather long coming back with the firewood.
Yes, I know and I apologized
but I don't think that did much good.
This is outrageous ...
What is?
The way some people spend their money.
A silver fox stole recently sold in London
for the equivalent of eighteen hundred dollars Canadian.
You're kidding.
It's a pretty penny to pay for vanity, I'd say.
What do you suppose a regular old fox would sell for?
Well not the fortune of this particular stole,
but a goodly sum.
Really?
Is it your intention to lurk behind me all morning
reading over my shoulder, Felix?
Oh no.
I actually have some chores to do.
[♪]
I thought for sure I was gonna freeze myself silly ...
standin' out there waitin' in the cold for ya.
And all the time I was sayin' to myself.
Felicity King?
Late for work?
Musta been an accident or something.
Miss Stacey wouldn't believe it in a million years.
Not that lid tell 'er a course.
I ain't that kind.
No sireebob.
Betcha haven't seen anyone so talented beforer have ya?
Any circus ape can do the same.
This counter is tacky.
I suggest you go over it throughly
with soap and hot water.
Look at that look in her eye.
She likes you, Nathan Lester.
When I was collecting firewood this morning,
Digger found a pair of red foxes and Aunt Eliza said
that a silver fox stole sold for eighteen hundred dollars.
So, think it's a crazy idea, don't you?
Not at all ...
could be an awful lot of work though ...
you'd have to build a suitable pen for the foxes ...
feed and water them everyday ...
soon as their first litter came,
there'd be even more work to do ...
... you might consider taking a partner.
Really?
Maybe I should ask around ... see who's interested ...
Maybe you should just ask me.
Nat, these glasses have spots on them.
Coupla little spots never hurt nobody.
Not nobody anybody - that's not the point.
We do not serve our patrons beverages in spotty glasses.
Wash these again, then polish them -
with a clean, dry cloth afterward.
Yes, master sergeant, ma'm.
Felix, I can hardly believe my eyes.
You're actually going to mend the hen house
without being told.
I can't imagine that you'd possibly need
this much chicken wire, though.
Yes, I...
It's for my fox ranch.
Our fox ranch.
We're partners.
Felix, this is no time to be indulging in one of your
harebrained schemes.
It's not a scheme, Felicity.
It's a business ...
You took leave from the hotel to run the farm
while mother and father are away?
Yeah , but...
Then that's what you should be doing, isn't it?
If you're not going to sell me what I want,
Felicity, I'll just go to Summerside to get it.
A dollar forty.
Don't come running to me when you get yourself
into trouble Felix, that's all I've got to say.
Don't worry, I won't!
What is going on in there?
I never heard such a ruckus in all my life ...
What on earth are you children doing out here?
You're making racket enough to waken the dead ...
Felix, what is that contraption for?
It's a pen for our fox ranch.
Fox ranch? ! !
And not 20 feet away from the chickens?
Have you taken leave of your senses?
Don't worry, Aunt Eliza.
The chickens will be fine, I promise ...
You better not make promises you cannot keep.
You will not build a fox pen in this barn, young man!
Nobody said no to Felicity when she asked
to go to medical school.
Felix, being a doctor is a profession.
So don't even try to
compare it to this fox farming scheme of yours ...
It's not a scheme, Felicity.
And stop acting like you know everything ...
Please, let's not argue.
Felix, be reasonable.
Your parents would never agree to any enterprise
that poses danger for the other livestock ...
No, of course they wouldn't
agree because no one believes I can do anything right!
Never mind, dear.
He'll have a good tantrum and it'll all be out
of his system by the morning.
Wait 'til you see this place, you'll love it ...
Here it is.
Are you sure about this Felix?
Don't worry I've got everything figured out.
We'll have to clean this place up ... it's a business right?
How can we afford this?
Don't worry, I've got everything figured out ...
[♪]
Well, you have a way with words, Mr. King.
That's for certain.
Fox ranching is a very sound investment Mr. Cain
and I am confident we can pay back the loan for the building
within the first year of business.
I'd like to help you, really I would but I'm afraid,
given that both yourself and Miss Pettibone are underage,
I can't consider it a good risk for the bank.
Look, at the very least, I'd have to have your parents
guarantee the loan.
Does it have to be our parents?
Well, no ... technically, I suppose the co-signer
could be anyone over the age of majority.
And how old is that?
Twenty-one years of age.
No less.
Have you someone in mind to back you in this venture?
Thank you very much.
[♪]
I think it's just a few yards past those trees.
You sure about this, Felix?
Hey, Digger!
You're not exactly known for your skills in the outdoors.
Yes I'm sure.
Woah!
[♪]
This is it!
Not as fancy as the last place but it'll do.
Kind of far, don't you think ...
it'll take half an hour to walk through the woods every day.
Exactly why it's the ideal place.
No one will ever guess where we are.
That's true ...
... and a natural setting is the perfect
spot to build the pen.
You're a genius Felix.
I like to think so.
They was worn sheets from the hotel, Miss King.
Mr. Tremayne said that they was the finest 'gypshun cotton.
And now, they're dainty serviettes
for them what uses them.
Just look at that needlework.
Mighty pretty, Becky.
I done 'em myself.
They are very nice, Becky, but I'm afraid I can't take
anything on consignment while Miss Stacey is away.
Oh.
I'm really sorry Becky.
Oh, that's all right.
[♪]
I'm gonna make you a promise there, little sister.
I'm gonna get you them skates in another month, but you don't
tell ma, cause I'm setting aside a bit every week from my pay.
Promise?
Promise.
No problem.
[barking]
[♪]
I'll see you in the morning Nat.
Walk you home Miss King?
No thank you.
I'll just walk along beside you then since we're goin'
in the same direction anyhow.
Actually I'm taking another route.
I've got some errands to do on the way home.
And a pleasant evening to you too, Miss King!
There! We did it, Izzy!
King and Pettibone - fox ranchers!
Digger ...
What are you doing so far away from home?
What is it, boy?
Digger, I'm not lost, if that's what you think.
I'm just avoiding a nuisance.
Alright, Digger, I'm coming.
Felix!
Oh boy.
I cannot believe you're persisting
with this fox farming nonsense!
Rant all you like, Felicity.
I don't need your permission to build a pen in the woods.
And who's going to do the farm work in the meantime?
I'm not planning on covering for you again if you fall behind.
I never asked for your help in the first place, Felicity.
I'm not five years old anymore so quit leaning
over my shoulder second guessing my every move.
Fine.
Wasn't that a little harsh, Felix?
I'm gonna finish what I started
and no one's telling me different!
You know, I couldn't help noticing that things
seemed a bit strained between you and Felix.
Well, he's off on one of his lunatic business ideas.
How lunatic?
Fox farming.
That's not such a crazy idea.
It is if Felix is involved.
He thinks that two red foxes are going to make him a fortune.
Well why not?
Others are making quite a bit of money out of fox pelts.
But Felix?
Oh, Felicity.
When Jasper started out with the cannery, there was hardly a soul
who believed he could make a go of it --
well, it's turned into a wonderful success.
You might give Felix the benefit of the doubt just this once.
There's no harm in his trying.
Why not let him pursue his dream.
Felix's dreams usually turn into nightmares.
Felix!
Hey, Digger!
What took you so long?
Sorry.
It took longer than I thought to get here.
Digger!
Digger, come here, boy!
Oh, Lord.
Digger!
What have you done ...
I don't think it was the dog.
Digger!
Get out of there!
Get out!
I guess we didn't build the pen good enough
if the foxes just ran away like that.
We'll just have to make it sturdier next time, that's all.
We can't very well have a fox farm without any foxes.
Digger found those foxes before,
and he'll find them again, right?
I suppose so ...
But we'll definitely have to find
someplace more sturdy to keep them.
I'll go ask father if we can set up shop in our back yard.
He'll never agree.
I'll explain to him how important it is to us
and I'll win him over somehow.
Buck up, Felix.
The strong always win out in the end.
You know, Felix, maybe it's for the best.
You'd never be able to manage your chores
and the hotel plus the fox farm.
If only I could somehow convince an adult that it's a good idea.
What's a good idea?
It's work.
You wouldn't be interested.
Nat ... how old are you?
Me?
Almost twenty-two.
You know ...
I'm looking for a partner in a certain business venture.
Well you're talkin' to the right man, Felix,
cuz I'm always lookin' to advance myself ...
Felix, isn't Izzy already your partner already?
So you're interested, possibly?
Always open for new opportunities.
What sort of thing you talkin' about, Felix?
Fox farming.
Agriculture's not up my alley, Felix.
I'm more the entrepreneurial type, you know.
A silver fox stole sold for eighteen hundred dollars
last month in England.
So where do I fit into the big picture ... so to speak?
The big picture ... well ...
There you go, sir.
Signed, sealed and delivered.
Congratulations, gentlemen.
I'd say that you're in business.
Now, you do understand the agreement.
The foxes are a marketable commodity
and as such are collateral for the loan.
Yes, sir.
It's been nice doing business with you.
Good luck.
Thank you, Mr. Cain.
So what'd he mean by the foxes were collateral for the loan?
That's banker talk.
You don't need to trouble yourself about collateral unless
you're plannin' to go bust, which we ain't.
Only place we're goin', is straight to the top.
Right partner?
Right.
Felix!
My father said that we could keep the foxes
out in the back shed if you want.
No need to.
I finally got that loan and I can rent
that building I wanted to.
But how did you ...
Meet Felix's new partner.
Nat Lester, Fox baron esquire.
What's going on, Felix?
I thought I was your partner.
Now hold on - we never talked about a three-way split.
It's 50/50 or nothin', Felix King.
You best decide right here and now.
Yes.
Decide.
It's the only way I could get the loan.
Partners.
I see.
I knew you'd understand.
No, I don't understand Felix.
But we weren't doing anything without the money to do it with.
Never mind.
Just forget about the whole thing.
I certainly will.
[♪]
What are you doing?
Miss Stacey wouldn't be very pleased if she knew you were
dallying around on her time.
I'm not on her time anymore.
Effective immediately,
I'm through workin' the soda counter.
This is right spiffy, if I do say so myself.
Ring this up for me, please.
And who'll be footing the bill, my brother?
Now since we're business partners,
what's mine is his and vicey versa.
Which gives you free reign to spend money that has yet to be
earned by either one of you?
I'll be earnin' it soon enough ...
... besides, a suit's a necessary business expense.
I got big plans for Felix an me.
Lotsa meetings comin' up.
Gatta make a good impression.
No suit on earth could do that.
You're always lookin' down your nose at me, arentcha?
I beg your pardon ...
You think you're so much better'n me, doncha?
Cuz your family's got lots of money and you're
wearing all these fancy clothes that you didn't even work for.
I pay for my own clothes out of my salary ...
And I got eight brothers and sisters to take care of.
And every cent I've made in my life's gone for food and rent
so I'll thank you to ring this up and keep
your opinions to yourself!
Yes.
Come in.
Miss King.
Mr. Cain.
Please do sit down.
Thank you.
What can I do for you?
Well, you can stop all this fox ranching nonsense.
I beg your pardon?
You are aware that neither my brother
nor Nat Lester are businessmen.
Why should you say that Miss King?
Mr. Cain.
My brother is still a boy, and Nat Lester, he's a braggart
and a layabout, and he's just taking advantage of Felix.
Every boy must grow up.
And as for Nat Lester, I have no information to support your
assessment of his character.
Business is always a risk, Miss King.
Yes, well I can see I am wasting my time.
Good day, Mr. Cain.
Miss King - I do appreciate your coming here.
I only wish I'd had a sister who was half
as concerned as you are.
But, 'the contract is legal and binding
and only Mr. Lester and your brother could dissolve it.
I hope you understand.
Good day.
I'm getting a sandwich.
You want one?
No thank you.
I'll have terrible nightmares if I eat this late.
It's no wonder you're hungry though.
Juggling your chores and now this fox ranch ...
and soon you'll be back at the hotel on top of it ...
I'm not going back to the hotel.
I'm devoting all my free time to my business.
Felix, have you gone mad?
I'll earn scads more money from my business.
You shouldn't be so quick to give up a perfectly good job.
with a business partner like Nat Lester,
you could wind up in the poor house.
Without Nat Lester, I wouldn't have my business
and just because you don't like him ...
Whether or not I like him is not the issue.
You shouldn't be so quick to trust your money
to someone you don't even know.
He's not a thief if that's what you're saying.
I'm only saying you should be more cautious.
People aren't always exactly what they seem ...
[♪]
Not much to look at are they?
with those pointy noses and the beady eyes.
But, they're gonna make us a fortune, Felix King.
You bet.
I'll let you keep track of these receipts,
since you're takin' care of the books ...
Well, gotta go.
Nat ... I really think we should pay what we owe
for the building supplies from our account and the fencing
from Montreal . . .
before we start spending money on other things.
I mean, do we really need to start getting business cards
right away?
First rule of business, Felix.
Go big or go home.
You gotta spend money to make money.
Well, gotta go.
What about this other stuff?
I don't see how renting a buggy and buying you new clothes
is going to make us money.
Second rule of business.
You look rich, you'll be rich.
Nobody's gonna invest in some nickel and dime outfit
that's all rag tag and shabby.
Trick is to make 'em want a piece of the action.
We got the loan, why do we need investors?
A loan is only gonna float us so far, Felix.
We need capital to make payments on this place
and the upkeep on those two
while we are waiting for them to breed.
can't start making a profit on something unless you got
something to sell, can we?
.You told me it'd be a snap breeding foxes.
I took you at your word, jumped in with both feet!
I'm expecting you to trust me, same as I am trusting you.
I got us this far, haven't I partner?
yeah.
I'm gonna make something of myself, come hell or high water.
And there's no way I'd blow this chance for either of us.
Alright?
Alright.
Keep thinking positive, that's the key, you keep thinking,
always thinkin'.
[♪]
Izzy - I hope you're not mad at me anymore.
I just thought I'd return some of your things I've borrowed.
I forgot you still had this stuff, Iz.
You ought to keep better track of your things, Felix,
if you want to run a business.
Yeah, well you see I've got everything set up.
I even got the foxes back.
Felix, they're eating through the chicken wire again ...
Yeah, I ordered a stronger mesh from Montreal;
it hasn't arrived yet.
I'll bet Nat's been a big help cleaning up the place
and building the pen?
Well, actually, Nat's not very handy with building things ...
he's more of an idea man.
I always thought you had plenty of ideas of your own.
Nat's older.
People listen to him more.
No one takes me seriously.
I did.
Good luck Felix.
I hope everything works out the way you wanted it to.
Thanks.
[♪]
.. and as you've probably heard, fox fur's all the rage in London
this year so I figure I'll have to expand my operation
before years' end just to keep up with the demand.
I must say, I never imagined I'd meet an accomplished businessman
like yourself, Mr. Lester, in such a rural backwater
as Avonlea.
Ah Miss ... a moment of your time please.
Two chocolate cherry sodas and we're in a hurry, dear,
so hop to it, would ya.
So how long do you think you and your father will be staying
at the White Sands, Miss Barlow?
We're only stopping over for a day, perhaps two.
Well then ...
allow me to take you both to dinner before you go ...
here's my card.
Thank you.
And here's one for you too.
Case you ever need a job.
I have a job thank-you.
Well you better take it.
You never know.
Nat's been handing those out all over the place.
He's making a spectacle of himself.
He's just lining up investors ...
Felix, I've tried not to
meddle but Nat Lester's not lining up anything.
He's running around town, buying fancy clothes and wining
and dining girls from the hotel.
I just wish I'd never let you get mixed up with him.
Maybe I should've done something sooner.
Where are you going?
Taking care of business.
[♪]
Nat Lester!
Right Now! I want to talk to you!
I won't be but a moment.
What d'you mean shoutin' at me in the middle of the street.
What do you mean going around wasting money on girls
while I slave away doing all the hard work? !
She's not just any girl, Felix.
Her father's worth a ton of money and I'm trying
to get him to invest some of it in our business.
The only thing you're trying to do is act like a big shot
at my expense!
Keep it down.
You're making a fool out of yourself
in front of the whole town.
I do not want you as a business partner anymore!
Tough luck.
We got a deal.
The fox ranch was my idea in the first place and I want you out.
You'd still be daydreamin' if it weren't for me.
Fact is, you need me a lot more'n I need you.
So why don't you growup right now, or I'll take things over
and start running that myself.
Well you can't do that!
Watch me.
[♪]
You can't steal my business!
[♪]
Well you were right.
Nat Lester's a bounder and I'm an idiot
for making him my partner.
I can't believe I got myself into this mess.
It's not over yet Felix and if I know you,
you'll find a way to bring Nat back to earth.
I don't even think it's worth trying.
The worst part of all ... is how I treated Izzy.
She'll probably never forgive me for this.
She might.
Try begging.
[♪]
Go away.
No, wait!
I'm an idiot.
I was horrible and I admit it.
You'll get no argument from me.
I made a real mess of things and I'm really sorry.
Can you ever forgive me, Izzy?
I'll have to think about it.
[♪]
[dog barking]
[♪]
Mr. Barlow, your daughter tells me you run a large fox operation
and might be interested in the first litter
from my fine breeding pair.
And this is it gentlemen, feast your eyes on two of the finest
specimens on the Island . . .
What specimens?
I thought you were on the up and up.
Felix.
I didn't, I swear.
You said you'd ruin me and you made good on your word,
didn't you Felix King.
Nat Lester, how could you think such a thing!
Because I got eyes and ears, Felicity King.
Just where were you last night?
Right here.
Well ... at least for most of it.
See?
What'd I tell you, Mr. Cain.
I say we call the constable.
I didn't go to the fox farm.
I went to Izzy Pettibone's house.
If Felix says he didn't do it, then he didn't.
I think you'd best come and see the damage for yourselves.
I'm telling you!
He trashed this place and let the foxes loose
to get back at me!
I did not!
I got a mind to call the Constable and have you arrested!
I told you, I didn't do it.
You're just covering your tracks and you know it!
Digger?
Looks to me as if the dog dug his way in,
forced his way in here, gave the foxes a merry chase,
and by the looks of the place, well the foxes got out.
Since your collateral has run away, gentlemen,
I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to return the balance
of the money that you borrowed.
Come on ...
We'll meet tomorrow to draw up a payment schedule
for the remainder ... plus interest of course.
Good day, Miss King.
Gentlemen, my office, tomorrow at ten.
We're really in it now, Felix, thanks to you and your dog.
Me?
You're the one who spent all the money!
You should be the one paying it back!
Those were legitimate business expenses.
Besides, I got no way of paying the money back.
I don't even have a job ...
Well I'm not paying for the suit.
Nobody's asking you to.
Good.
This is an itemized list of your outstanding debts.
I'll have to work at the hotel for ten years to pay for this.
Well, Felix, there's not much else that can be done ...
unless Mother and Father can spare you some money.
I don't even want them to know about this ...
Consider this a lesson in high finance Felix.
My father always used to say, never go into a partnership
on anything bigger than a jackknife.
Thank you, Aunt Eliza.
That makes me feel so much better.
Hello Izzy.
Felicity.
Izzy, I know you're upset.
You know, if there's a wrong way to do something,
Felix will find it.
I guess you're right about that.
He wants to patch things up.
If you'll let him.
I thought we were best friends.
But now, I don't know.
As my Aunt Eliza says, business and friendship don't mix.
I'd say she's right about that.
Well, if you still want a friend, he's out in the woods
looking for those foxes so that he can settle up with Mr. Cain.
Thanks, Felicity.
[♪]
Get 'em Digger, come on.
Hold them there, Digger.
No luck, huh, boy?
They're long gone by now.
Bet those foxes didn't like us, hey, Digger.
Let me guess.
You came to tell me you hate my guts and you never
want to speak to me again.
It's tempting but I thought it over and I've decided to try
to forgive you instead.
Really, that's one good thing, at least.
Still I'll have to become a slave for ten years
until I can pay all that loan money back.
Maybe I can help you.
Why should you after I treated you so terribly?
Because that's what friends are for, stupid.
No.
I made the mistake; I'll pay for it.
We started in this together, remember ...
... and we're going to solve it together.
I don't see how.
You give up so easily, Felix King.
You can't try for five minutes and then give up.
Digger will find those foxes and we'll just keep on
trying until he does.
Come on, Digger.
I sewed 'em myself.
Sure took a long time, too.
All them tiny stitches.
And very fine they are, too.
If I hadn't wanted them ice skates,
Nat wouldn't be in this pickle.
Ice skates ... is that so?
So, how much are they worth do you reckon?
Well not enough to get your brother out of this "pickle".
Besides, Nat can manage his own affairs.
But, I think I have a business proposition for you,
Miss Lester.
I will take these beautifully embroidered serviettes,
if you will take something of equal value in trade.
These are for me?
Absolutely.
A deal is a deal.
Shake on it?
Thank you, Mr. Cain.
A pleasure doing business with you, Miss Lester.
That was very nice of you, Mr. Cain.
It was a business deal, Miss King.
A pair of skates in trade for hand-embroidered serviettes.
Of the finest Egyptian cotton?
Why should she be made to pay for her brother's misfortune?
I did try and warn you about that.
Well I still maintain nothing ventured, nothing gained.
They're both young and ambitious men.
Nat Lester, ambitious?
And why shouldn't Nat Lester have dreams.
Do you think he wants that little girl
or any of his family, to go without?
It pains him, Miss King.
I know how Nat feels.
I came from a home very similar to his.
But I was lucky.
Somebody gave me a chance, believed in me.
And if I am the only one, I hope I may continue
to believe in him and his dreams.
Good day, Miss King.
[♪]
There he is.
Mr. Barlow?
Mr. King, Miss Pettibone.
Thank you for meeting us on such short notice.
Well, your note said that you had found your foxes.
Yes, sir.
We did.
And we've heard that you have a fox ranch on the eastern end
of the Island.
Yes, I'm a partner in an operation out there.
Well, sir, we thought that you, perhaps,
would like to purchase our foxes.
Well that is a possibility.
They're very good red foxes Mr. Barlow.
And I'm sure we could agree on a price if you like them.
Let's get to it, then.
Let's see these foxes of yours.
Hello, Miss King.
Hello, Nat.
I'd like to return this.
I'm sorry that things didn't work out.
Not half as sorry as I am.
Guess you haven't found anyone to help you out
in the store, though?
No.
Not yet.
I don't suppose you'd consider coming back?
Well, I might.
For a while.
There's just one more thing I've got to do first.
Forty, fifty - fifty dollars.
We're square now, right?
Yes, we're square.
You have the makings of a good businessman, Felix.
A man who fulfills his obligations.
See, I told you everything would work out.
Well, it's like he said.
I've got the makings of a good businessman.
Felix?
Nat.
Here.
I returned the suit.
I guess this rightly belongs to you.
Gee, Nat, thanks.
Sorry I.
.. I gotta go to work-
your sister can't handle the store without me.
See ya.
He's still a blowhard.
Felix - if you come up with any other bright ideas -
don't tell me about them.
Seven dollars and fifty cents.
Well, considering everything I've put you through,
Izzy, I think it's only fair that you should have it.
No.
You keep it.
But you did all that work and you didn't get your share ...
I didn't do it for the money, stupid.
I did it for you.
Oh ...
You take a lot of looking after, Felix King, you know that?
I'm lucky you don't give up on me.
Luck had nothing to do with it.