University of Virginia Library

7. CHAPTER VII.
HARRY'S DECISION.

Mr. Walton paused before replying to his pro

posal.

"You're a little too late,'' he said, at last, to Harry's great relief.

"Too late,'' repeated the squire, hastily. "Why, you hain't hired out your boy to anybody else, have you?''

"No; but he has asked me to let him leave home, and I've agreed to it.''

"Leave home? Where's he goin'?''

"He has not fully decided. He wants to go out and seek his fortune.''

"He'll fetch up at the poorhouse,'' growled the squire.

"If he does not succeed, he will come home again.''

"It's a foolish plan, neighbor Walton. Take my word for't. You'd better keep him here, and let him work for me.''

"If he stayed at home, I should find work for him on my farm.''

"I wanted to help you pay for that cow,'' said the squire, crossly. "If you can't pay for't when the time comes you mustn't blame me.''

"I shall blame no one.''

"You mustn't ask for more time. Six months is a long time to give.''

"I believe I haven't said anything about more time yet,'' said Hiram Walton, stiffly. "I don't see that you need warn me.''

"I thought we might as well have an understanding about it,'' said the squire. "So you won't hire out the boy?''

"No, I cannot, under the circumstances. If I did

I should consider his services worth more than two dollars a month.''

"I might give him two'n a half,'' said the squire, fancying it was merely a question of money.

"How much do you pay Abner Kimball?''

"Wal, rather more than that,'' answered the squire, slowly.

"You pay him ten dollars a month, don't you?''

"Wal, somewheres about that; but it's more'n he earns.''

"If he is worth ten dollars, Harry would be worth four or six.''

"I'll give three,'' said the squire, who reflected that even at that rate he would be saving considerable.

"I will leave it to Harry himself,'' said his father.

"Harry, you hear Squire Green's offer. What do you say? Will you go to work for him at three dollars a month?''

"I'd rather go away, as you told me I might, father.''

"You hear the boy's decision, squire.''

"Wal, wal,'' said the squire; "I hope you won't neither on yer regret it.''

His tone clearly indicated that he really hoped and expected they would. "I bid you good-night.''

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.''

"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.''