he acre, net.

Twenty-four hundred dollars income from six acres; and the profit was
more than fifty per cent. Indeed, Hiram's share of the profit amounted
to three hundred and seventy dollars.

With his hundred dollar wage, and the money he had saved the previous
season, when the crops were harvested this second season, the young
farmer's bank book showed a balance of over five hundred dollars to his
credit.

"I'm eighteen years old and over," soliloquized the young farmer. "And
I've got a capital of five hundred dollars. Can't I turn that capital
some way go as to give me a bigger--a broader--chance?

"Thus far I've been a one-horse farmer; I want to be something better
than that. Now, there's no use in my hanging around here, waiting for
something to turn up. I must get a move on me and turn something up for
myself."

CHAPTER XXXV. LOOKING AHEAD

During this year Hiram had not seen much of Mr. Bronson, or Lettie. They
had gone back to the West over the summer vacation, and when Lettie
had returned for her last year at St. Beris, her father had not come on
until near Thanksgiving.

Hiram had spoken with Lettie several times during the fail, and he
thought that she had vastly improved in one way, at least.

She could not be any prettier, it seemed to him; but her manner was more
cordial, and she always asked after Sister and Mrs. Atterson, and showed
that her interest in him was not a mere surface interest.

One day, when Hiram had been shipping some of the last of his celery,
Lettie met him on the street near the Scoville railroad station. Hiram
was in his high boots, and overalls; and Lettie was with two of her girl
friends.

But the girl stopped him and shook hands, and told him that her father
had arrived and wanted to see him.

"We want you to come to dinner Saturday evening, Hiram. Father insists,
and I shall be very much disappointed if you do not come."

"Why, that's very kind of you, Miss Lettie," responded the young farmer,
slowly, trying to find some good reason for refusing the invitation. He
was determined not to be patronized.

"Now, Hiram! This is very important. We want you to meet somebody," said
Lettie, her eyes dancing. "Somebody very particular. Now! do say you'll
come like a good boy, and not keep me teasing."

"Well, I'll come, Miss Lettie," he finally agreed, and she gave him a
most charming smile.

Lettie's two friends had waited for her, very much amused.

"I declare, L