"Perhaps not much profit the first season; but if the farm is
fertile, and the marketing conditions are right, I know I can
make it pay us both in two years."

"I've got a little money saved up. I could sell the house in a
week, for it's always full and there are always lone women like
me with a little driblet of money to exchange for a boarding
house--heaven help us for the fools we are!" Mrs. Atterson
exclaimed.

"And I expect you could raise vegetables enough to part keep us,
Hi, even if the farm wasn't a great success?"

"And eggs, and chickens, and the pigs, and milk from the cow,"
suggested Hiram.

"Well! I declare, that's so," admitted Mrs. Atterson. "I'd been
lookin' on all them things as an expense. They could be made an
asset, eh?"

"I should hope so," responded Hiram, smiling.

"And I could get rid of these boarders-- My soul and body!"
gasped the tired woman, suddenly. "Do you suppose it's true,
Hi? Get rid of worryin' about paying the bills, and whether the
boarders are all going to keep their jobs and be able to pay
regularly-- And the gravy!

"Hiram Strong! If you can show me a way out of this valley of