fellow replied.

"You her son?"

"No. I may work for her--can't tell till I've looked at the
place."

"It ain't much to look at," said the man, quickly. "I come near
buying it once, though. In fact--"

He hesitated, still eyeing Hiram sideways. The boy waited for
him to speak again. He did not wish to be impolite; but he did
not like the man's appearance.

"What do y' reckon this Mis' Atterson would sell for?" finally
demanded the man.

"She has been advised not to sell--at present."

"Who by?"

"Mr. Strickland, the lawyer."

"Humph! Mebbe I'd buy it--and give her a good price for
it--right now."

"What do you consider a good price?" asked Hiram, quietly.

"Twelve hundred dollars," said the man.