“Oh, yes.”
“Then how you going to get around that?” demanded Schell, with conviction.
“But perhaps Uncle Jeptha signed the option thinking it was for a shorter time.”
“That wouldn't help you none. The paper was signed. And why should Pepper have buncoed him—at that time?”
“Why should he be so eager to get the farm now?” asked Hiram.
“Well, I'll tell you. It ain't out yet. But two or three days ago the railroad board abandoned the route through Ayertown and it is agreed that the new bridge will be built along there by your farm somewhere.
“The river is as narrow there as it is anywhere for miles up and down, and they will stretch a bridge from the high bank on your side, across the meadows, to the high bank on the other side. It will cut out grades, you see. That's what has started Pepper up to grab off the farm while the option is valid.”
“But, Mr. Schell, is the option valid?” cried Hiram, anxiously.
“I don't see how you're going to get around it. Ah! here's the place. When I have sealed a paper I make a note of it—what the matter was about and who the contracting parties were. I've done that for years. Let—me—see.”
He adjusted his spectacles. He squinted at the page, covered closely with writing. Hiram saw him whispering the words he read to himself. Suddenly the blood flooded into the old man's face, and he looked up with a start at his interrogator.