“I reckon.”
“Loose-mouthed people make more trouble in a community than downright mean ones,” declared Hiram. “If I have any serious trouble with the Dickersons, like enough it will be because of the interference of the other neighbors.”
“But,” said Henry, preparing to go on, “Pete wouldn't dare fire your stable now—after sayin' he'd do it. He ain't quite so big a fool as all that.”
But Hiram was not so sure. He had this additional trouble on his mind from this very hour, though he never said a word to Mrs. Atterson about it.
But every night before he went to bed be made around of the outbuildings to make sure that everything was right before he slept.
CHAPTER XXIV. “CORN THAT'S CORN”
Hiram caught sight of Pepper in town one day and went after him. He knew the real estate man had returned from his business trip, and the fact that the matter of the option was hanging fire, and troubling Mrs. Atterson exceedingly, urged Hiram go counter to Mr. Strickland's advice.
The lawyer had said: “Let sleeping dogs lie.” Pepper had made no move, however, and the uncertainty was very trying both for the young farmer and his employer.
“How about that option you talked about, Mr. Pepper?” asked the “youth. Are you going to exercise it?”