"Yes. Mr. Bronson has hired me in that capacity."
"Well, I'll be switched!"
"I want some men to ditch and for other heavy work for a few weeks," Hiram said calmly. "After that I shall need plowmen at better pay. You are a farmer, I presume?"
"I presume I am," said the fellow scornfully. "But I don't want to hire out to any kid. I want a man for a boss."
"I'm afraid I would not suit you then," sighed Hiram, with perfect gravity. "Come around in a couple of years, when I am older, and perhaps we can make a dicker."
The fellow went away muttering. Later Hiram chanced to pass the Pringle cottage and the owner came to the gate to hail him.
"Did Adam Banks come to see you, Mr. Strong?"
"The big fellow with the mop of yellow hair? Yes, Miss Pringle; he said he was looking for a job. But I doubt if he loses his eyesight looking for it."
"You said something," declared Miss Pringle. "And he just said to me he wouldn't be caught working at Sunnyside if you were going to run the farm."
"No?"