ornfield to the pasture--a
large ten-acre lot, covered with a scanty vegetation. The squire's cows
could not be said to live in clover.

"That's the critter," he said, pointing out one of the cows which was
grazing near by. "Ain't she a beauty?"

"She looks pretty well," said Mr. Walton, dubiously, by no means sure
that she would equal his lost cow.

"She's one of the best I've got. I wouldn't sell ef it wasn't to oblige.
I ain't at all partic'lar, but I suppose you've got to hev a cow."

"What do you ask for her, squire?"

"She's wuth all of forty dollars," answered the squire, who knew
perfectly well that a fair price would be about thirty. But then his
neighbor must have a cow, and had no money to pay, and so was at his
mercy.

"That seems high," said Hiram.

"She's wuth every cent of it; but I ain't nowise partic'lar about
sellin' her."

"Couldn't you say thirty-seven?"

"I couldn't take a dollar less. I'd rather keep her. Maybe I'd take
thirty-eight, cash down."

Hiram Walton shook his head.

"I have no cash," he said. "I must buy on credit."

"Wall, then, there's a bargain for you. I'll let you have her for forty
dollars, giving you six months to pay it, at reg'lar interest, six per
cent. Of course I expect a little bonus for the accommodation."

"I hope you'll be easy with me--I'm a poor man, squire."

"Of course, neighbor; I'm always easy."

"That isn't your reputation," thought Hiram; but he knew that this was a
thought to which he must not give expression.

"All I want is a fair price for my time and trouble. We'll say three
dollars extra for the accommodation--three dollars down."

Hiram Walton felt that it was a hard bargain the squire was driving with
him, but there seemed no help for it.

He must submit to the imposition, or do without a cow. There was no
one else to whom he could look for help on any terms. As to the three
dollars, his whole available cash amounted to but four dollars, and
it was for three quarters of this sum that the squire called. But the
sacrifice must be made.

"Well, Squire Green, if that is your lowest price, I suppose I must come
to it," he answered, at last.

"You can't do no better," said the squire, with alacrity.

"If so be as you've made up your mind, we'll make out the papers."

"Very well."

"Come back to the house. When do you want to take the cow?"

"I'll drive her along now, if you are willing."

"Why, you see," said the squire, hesitatin