before there are any returns. We'll go, slow," repeated Hiram.

But when he left the farm that afternoon he went swiftly enough
to Scoville and took the train for the not far distant city of
Crawberry. This was Tuesday evening and he arrived just about
supper time at Mrs. Atterson's.

The reason for Hiram's absence, and the matter of Mrs. Atterson's
legacy altogether, had been kept from the boarders. And there
was no time until after the principal meal of the day was off the
lady's mind for Hiram to say anything to her.

"She's a good old soul," thought Hiram. "And if it's in my power
to make that farm pay, and yield her a competency for her old
age, I'll do it."

Meanwhile he was not losing sight of the fact that there was
something due to him in this matter. He was bound to see that he
got his share--and a just share--of any profits that might accrue
from the venture.

So, after the other boarders had scattered, and Mrs. Atterson had
eaten her own late supper, and Sister was swashing plates and
knives and forks about in a big pan of hot water in the kitchen
sink, (between whiles doing her best to listen at the crack of
the door) the landlady and Hiram Strong threshed out the project
fully.

It was not all one-sided; for Mrs. Atterson, after all, had
been bargaining all her life and could see the "main chance" as