w,
which had put the new plan into his head. When the squire reckoned up
this item, amounting in six months to twelve dollars, he began to doubt
whether his cow trade had been quite so good after all.

"I'll get it out of Hiram Walton some way," he muttered. "He's a great
fool to let that boy have his own way. I thought to be sure he'd oblige
me arter the favor I done him in sellin' him the cow. There's gratitude
for you!"

The squire's ideas about gratitude, and the manner in which he had
earned it, were slightly mixed, it must be acknowledged. But, though he
knew very well that he had been influenced only by the consideration
of his own interest, he had a vague idea that he was entitled to some
credit for his kindness in consenting to sell his neighbor a cow at an
extortionate price.

Harry breathed a deep sigh of relief after Squire Green left the room.

"I was afraid you were going to hire me out to the squire, father," he
said.

"You didn't enjoy the prospect, did you?" said his father, smiling.

"Not much."

"Shouldn't think he would," said his brother Tom.

"The squire's awful stingy. Abner Kimball told me he had the meanest
breakfast he ever ate anywhere."

"I don't think any of his household are in danger of contracting the
gout from luxurious living."

"I guess not," said Tom.

"I think," said Jane, slyly, "you'd better hire out Tom to the squire."

"The squire would have the worst of the bargain," said his father, with
a good-natured hit at Tom's sluggishness.

"He wouldn't earn his board, however poor it might be."

"The squire didn't seem to like it very well," said Mrs. Walton, looking
up from her mending.

"No, he fully expected to get Harry for little or nothing. It was
ridiculous to offer two dollars a month for a boy of his age."

"I am afraid he will be more disposed to be hard on you, when the time
comes to pay for the cow. He told you he wouldn't extend the time."

"He is not likely to after this; but, wife, we won't borrow trouble.
Something may turn up to help us."

"I am sure I shall be able to help you about it, father," said Harry.

"I hope so, my son, but don't feel too certain. You may not succeed as
well as you anticipate."

"I know that, but I mean to try at any rate."

"If you don't, Tom will," said his sister.

"Quit teasin' a feller, Jane," said Tom. "I ain't any lazier'n you are.
If I am, I'll eat my head."

"Then you'll have to eat it, Tom," retorted Jane;