“I am now interested in this property Major Carey,” explained the agent. “Since you have put in a crop without even the formality of renting the ground you will certainly lose it.”
By night the transaction was closed and Mr. Betts left on the evening train. He had turned over $2,080, the corn land rental to Mrs. Marshall and Morey had taken from it a hundred dollars to be paid to Mr. Tuttle in Washington.
The next day Morey entered the Barber Bank and deposited his mother’s rental money to her account. Captain Barber treated him with a cold dignity. Almost out of the door the boy turned:
“By the way, Captain Barber. Our land is on the market. If you know any one who wants it they can have it at a bargain, $50 an acre.”
With his mother’s home and one hundred and sixty acres clear of debt, $2,000 in the bank and the possibility of perhaps $3,000 more from the sale of the rest of the farm, Morey at once prepared to return to the Signal Corps. It was almost against his mother’s command, but she finally reluctantly consented. The day before his leave expired he drove their new horse and buggy to Lee’s Court House to secure a man to help Marsh Green in needed work on the place. Amos was with him.
“Marse Morey,” exclaimed the black boy, “dey done say dat yo’ all got plenty money now.”
Morey, his mind on something else, answered:
“I’ve got my pay as a soldier.”
Amos sighed.