d 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 quickly as
the next one. She had not bickered with hucksters, chivvied grocerymen,
fought battles royal with butchers, and endured the existence of a Red
Indian amidst allied foes for two decades without having her wits ground
to a razor edge.

On the other hand, Hiram Strong, although a boy in years, had been his
own master long enough to take care of himself in most transactions, and
withal had a fund of native caution. They jotted down memoranda of the
points on which they were agreed, which included the following:

Mrs. Atterson, as "party of the first part", agreed to board Hiram until
the crops were harvested the second year. In addition she was to pay
him one hundred dollars at Christmas time this first year, and another
hundred at the conclusion of the agreement--i. e., when the second
year's crop was harvested.

Beside, of the estimated profits of the second year's crop, Hiram was
to have twenty-five per cent. This profit was to be that balance in the
farm's favor (if such balance there was) over and above the actual cost
of labor, seed, and such purchased fertilizer or other supplies as were
necessary. Mrs. Atterson agreed likewise to supply one serviceable horse
and such tools as might be needed, for the place was to be run as "a
one-horse farm."

On the other hand Hiram agreed to give his entire time to the farm, to
work