for Mrs. Atterson's interest in all things, to make no expenditures
without discussing them first with her, and to give his best care and
attention generally to the farm and all that pertained thereto. Of
course, the old lady was taking Hiram a good deal on trust. But she had
known the boy almost two years and he had been faithful and prompt in
discharging his debts to her.

But it was up to the young fellow to "make good." He could not expect
to make any profit for his employer the first year; but he would be
expected to do so the second season, or "show cause."

When these matters were all discussed and the little memorandum
signed, Hiram Strong, in his own room, thought the situation over very
seriously. He was facing the biggest responsibility that he had obliged
to assume in his whole life.

This was no boyish job; it was man's work. He had put his hand to an
agreement that might influence his whole future, and certainly would
make or break his credit as a trustworthy youth and one of his word.

During these past days Hiram had determined to "get back to the soil"
and to get back to it in a business-like way. He desired to make good
for Mrs. Atterson so that he might some time have the chance to make
good for somebody else on a bigger scale.

He did not propose to be "a one-horse farmer" all his days.

CHAPTER X. THE SOUND OF BEATING HOOFS

On Monday morning Mrs. Atterson put her house in the agent's hands. On
Wednesday a pair of spinster ladies came to look at it. They came again
on Thursday and again on Friday.

Friday being considered an "unlucky" day they did not bind the bargain;
but on Saturday money was passed, and the new keepers of the house were
to take possession in a week. Not until then were the boarders informed
of Mother Atterson's change of circumstances, and the fact that she was
going to graduate from the boarding house kitchen to the farm.

After all, they were sorry--those light-headed, irresponsible young
men. There wasn't one of them, from Crackit down the line, who could
not easily remember some special kindness that marked the old lady's
intercourse with him.

As soon as the fact was announced that the boarding house had changed
hands, the boarders were up in arms. There was a wild gabble of voices,
over the supper table that night. Crackit led the chorus.

"It's a mean trick. Mother Atterson has sold us like so many cattle to
the highest bidder. Ungrateful--right down ungr