Hiram Walton felt that it was a hard bargain the squire was driving
with him, but there seemed no help for it.

He must submit to the imposition, or do without a cow. There was
no one else to whom he could look for help on any terms. As to
the three dollars, his whole available cash amounted to but four
dollars, and it was for three quarters of this sum that the squire
called. But the sacrifice must be made.

"Well, Squire Green, if that is your lowest price, I suppose I must
come to it," he answered, at last.

"You can't do no better," said the squire, with alacrity.

"If so be as you've made up your mind, we'll make out the papers."

"Very well."

"Come back to the house. When do you want to take the cow?"

"I'll drive her along now, if you are willing."

"Why, you see," said the squire, hesitating, while a mean thought
entered his, mind, "she's been feedin' in my pastur' all the
mornin', and I calc'late I'm entitled to the next milkin', you'd
better come 'round to-night, just after milkin', and then you can
take her."

"I didn't think he was quite so mean," passed through Hiram Walton's
mind, and his lip curved slightly in scorn, but he knew that this