He went to the storekeepers and asked questions about the prices paid for garden truck. He walked about the town and saw the quality of the residences, and noted what proportion of the townsfolk cultivated gardens of their own.
There was a big girls' boarding-school, and two small, but well-patronized hotels. The proprietors of these each owned a farm; but they told Hiram that it was necessary for them to buy much of their table vegetables from city produce men, as the neighboring farmers did not grow much.
In talking with one storekeeper Hiram mentioned the fact that he was going to look at the Atterson place with a view to farming it for its new owner. When he walked out of the store he found himself accosted by a lean, snaky-looking man who had stood within the store the moment before.
“What's this widder woman goin' to do with the farm old Jeptha left her?” inquired the man, looking at Hiram slyly.
“We don't know yet, sir, what we shall do with it,” the young fellow replied.
“You her son?”
“No. I may work for her—can't tell till I've looked at the place.”
“It ain't much to look at,” said the man, quickly. “I come near buying it once, though. In fact—”
He hesitated, still eyeing Hiram sideways. The boy waited for him to speak again. He did not wish to be impolite; but he did not like the man's appearance.
“What do y' reckon this Mis' Atterson would sell for?” finally demanded the man.