"Why, no, she didn't, come t' think on 't," replied the farmer, scratching his head. "She were out when Mr. Ranquist brought th' paper. I guess she'd gone over t' Mrs. Took's. It were only a matter a' form, havin' her sign, Ranquist said, 'n' he mentioned she could sign th' deed. 'N' so, he bein' in a hurry, he left 'fore she got back. So th' agreement's got only my name on 't."
"If you don't mind, I'd like to take a look at that agreement," said Mr. Vanter, smiling as though something pleased him.
"Wa'al, I guess ye kin hev it," remarked Mr. Kimball. "'Tain't much use t' me, seein' 's how Ranquist has a copy. But what in th' name a' th' Cardiff giant d'ye want it fer?"
"To keep Mrs. Kimball from signing it by mistake," replied Mr. Vanter.
"How's thet? Is there any hope thet I won't hev t' deed away thet land?" asked Mr. Kimball, in great excitement.
"Oh, no; I guess you'll have t' sign the deed, as you have agreed to," was the answer.
"What then?"
"Well," said the surveyor slowly, "I may think of a plan to outwit Mr. Ranquist yet. Put on your hat and coat, and we'll go to Squire Bimmer's office."
"Hurrah!" shouted Roger, gaily, as he saw his uncle and Mr. Vanter leave the house. "Hurrah! Maybe it will come out right after all!"
But Mrs. Kimball, who had heard the talk, did not see how, and she was in no happy frame of mind, over the prospect of selling the valuable land for such a small sum.