s decided. He liked a bargain, and he knew
that there was some reason in what Conrad said.

"Mr. Grant might not feel at liberty to sell his son's boat," he argued.

"Andy would let him. He thinks a good deal of his family."

"I'll think of it; but I intended to propose taking two of his cows."

"That you can do next time. Probably he won't have the interest six
months from now."

"I'll see about it."

"There is one other thing; you would have a better chance to sell the
boat for a profit than the cows."

"Well, Conrad, I will think of it, as I said. I am going around to
Farmer Grant's this evening, and I will broach the subject."

Later in the day Conrad met Jimmy Morris.

"Have you heard the news, Conrad?" asked Jimmy.

"What is it?"

"Andy Grant is in Arden. He arrived from the city this morning."

"I am glad to hear it."

"Why? Are you and Andy such great friends?"

"It isn't on account of friendship; it's on account of business."

"What business?"

"I can't tell you, but you will very likely hear soon."

Conrad hoped to meet Andy and broach the subject of buying the boat. He
decided from his knowledge of the farmer's son that, much as he valued
his boat, he would be willing to sacrifice it for the sake of his
father. In this thought he paid an unconscious tribute to Andy, for in
similar circumstances he would have been incapable of anything so
unselfish.

About half-past seven, Andy, looking out of the window, saw the stately
and dignified figure of Squire Carter coming up the front path.

"The squire is coming, father," he said. "I want you to look sober, just
as if you were unprepared to pay the interest."

Squire Carter had already been informed by Conrad that Andy was in the
village. He showed no surprise, therefore, when he saw him.

He had also been down to the river and taken a look at Andy's boat. He
could see that it was a very handsome one, and doubtless worth as much
as Conrad reported.

"So you have come home, Andrew?" he said.

"Yes, Squire Carter."

"You haven't lost your place, have you?"

"No, sir. I have come home on a visit."

"Ahem! You arrived at an unfortunate time for your father. He has had
bad luck. Things seem to have gone against him."

"So I heard, sir."

"If you had been at home to help him on the farm, things would have been
different, maybe."

"I hope to help him by staying in the city."

"That isn't very likely. I don't approve, for my part, of b