Tom raised his voice. "Abe! When I tell you to come, I mean for you to come."
The boy looked up from his book with a start. "Yes, Pa. Did you want me?"
"Hustle over here and look at this paper. Carter is in a mighty big hurry for me to sign something I ain't had a chance to read."
"You have had plenty of time to read it," said Carter. "But if you don't want to sell, I can call the whole deal off."
Abe reached out a long arm and took the paper. He read it slowly. "Pa," he asked, "don't you aim to sell Mr. Carter just the south field?"
"You know I'm selling him just the south field," said Tom.
"Then don't sign this."
Carter picked up the money bag clanking with coins. He tossed it into the air and caught it neatly. Tom looked at it. He wanted that money! He looked at Abe.
"Why shouldn't I sign?" he asked.
"If you do, you'll be selling Mr. Carter most of your farm."