“And we can't tell a thing to do about next year till we know what Pepper is going to do,” groaned Mrs. Atterson.
“That is very true. But if he doesn't exercise his option before February tenth, we needn't worry any more. And after that will be time enough to make our plans for next season's crops,” declared Hiram, trying to speak more cheerfully.
But Mrs. Atterson went around with clouded brow again, and was heard to whisper, more than once, something about “Mr. Damocles's sword.”
CHAPTER XXXII. THE CLOUD IS LIFTED
Despite Hiram Strong's warning to his employer when they started work on the old Atterson Eighty, that she must expect no profit for this season's, work, the Christmas-tide, when they settled their accounts for the year, proved the young fellow to have been a bad prophet.
“Why, Hiram, after I pay you this hundred dollars, I shall have a little money left—I shall indeed. And all that corn in the crib—and stacks of fodder, beside the barn loft full, and the roots, and the chickens, and the pork, and the calf——”
“Why, Hiram! I'm a richer woman to-day than when I came out here to the farm, that's sure. How do you account for it?”
Hiram had to admit that they had been favored beyond his expectations.
“If that Pepper man would only come for'ard and say what he was going to do!” sighed Mother Atterson.