over-cropped the remainder of Uncle Jeptha's land had been, could
not be impoverished in many seasons.

"It's as rich as cream!" muttered he, thoughtfully. "Grubbing
out these young pines wouldn't take long. There's a heavy sod
and it would have to be ploughed deeply. Then a crop of corn
this year, perhaps--late corn for fear the river might overflow
it in June. And then---

"Great Scot!" ejaculated Hiram, slapping his knee, "what wouldn't
grow on this bottom land?"

"Yes, it's mighty rich," agreed Henry. "But it's a long way from
the house--and then, the river might flood it over. I've seen
water running over this bottom two feet deep--once."

They finished the al fresco meal and Hiram leaped up, inspired by
his thoughts to brisker movements.

"Whatever else this old farm has on it, I vow and declare," he
said, "this five or six acres alone might be made to pay a profit
on the whole investment!"



CHAPTER IX

THE BARGAIN IS MADE

Henry showed Hiram the "branch", a little stream flowing into the