Indentured Servitude

"You just can't get good indentured help like you used to, Obadiah."

"Aye, that's true, Zebediah," sighed Obadiah. "Costs are too high these days: food, shelter, clothing. Who can afford it?"

"And transport costs are through the roof," added Josiah. "Or the deck."

"Too true, that is," said Obadiah, shaking his head sadly. "And all we get in return is free labor and the satisfaction of beating the crap out of some kids once in a while. Then they're off to start their own farms, free as birds, and we get nothing for teaching them how to make a living."

"Competing farms," observed Zebediah.

"And they never write," added Josiah.

"There's the slaves, of course," offered Zebediah.

"Aye," agreed Obadiah, "but even they are getting expensive. Same food, shelter, and housing costs. And if one dies, there's the body to get rid of. And sometimes you have to buy a new slave, and that's exorbitant. What's this world coming to?"

The three friends shook their heads gloomily. Then Josiah brightened with the fire of inspiration.

"How about this?" he suggested. "How about, we don't pay any of their expenses. All the food, clothing, and shelter is entirely their responsibility. Transport, too, if there is any. Plus, they have to pay us for teaching them how to farm! Then we get the free labor at no cost!"

"I love it," said Obadiah skeptically, "but how could any of 'em afford to do that?"

"Oh, that's the best part!" replied Josiah enthusiastically. "If they can't afford the expenses, we lend them the money. Then, when there indentured period is over, they have to pay us back with interest for the rest of their lives!"

"And how would they be able to compete with us then?" Zebediah chimed in.

Obadiah shook his head. "It sounds great," he said, "but this is the 18th Century. Nobody's going to fall for that."

"Maybe not," said Josiah, "but give it a couple hundred years. You never know."