"Yes. They can afford to experiment and try out new things. However, that is not just what we were getting at. If I sell this farm for a good price I must have a good house on it. I mean to build on the site of the old house that was burned. I shall have to bring workmen here and lodge and feed them. As there are no neighbors who make a practice of taking boarders, other than their own farm help, I shall have to put up a shack, hire a cook, and feed the gang for three months at least." "I see," said Hiram. "And I can get my meals with them." "Yes. That is my idea. So if you can get along alone for a while--" "Of course I can, Mr. Bronson." "I will have a shack built and a kitchen and bunks established just as soon as the weather is warm enough. Meanwhile my trucks, when not otherwise in use, can be hauling the frame and lumber for the new house." "One word, Mr. Bronson," said Hiram Strong quickly. "As long as you must build a shed, why not build one that will afterward house these new tools you propose to buy for my use? I see there is no storage room for such things save on the barn floor, and in time they will be in the way there." A gleam of approval flashed into Mr. Bronson's eyes. "Good idea, Hiram! And you are as full of good ideas as an egg is of meat," said Mr. Bronson with enthusiasm. "Have you thought of any particular way in which this farm should be run--for the biggest profit, I mean?" and the man smiled at Hiram curiously. "I'll tell you what struck me right off the reel, Mr. Bronson," said the youth thoughtfully. "But it is only a thought." "Let's have it," urged Mr. Bronson. "This land has been worked by tenants only for some years. Tenant farmers usually supply commercial fertilizer to some extent, but not enough humus. The land needs humus--and that in the form of stable manure. Especially the manure from cattle--from cows--if you want to raise bumper crops of corn." "I presume that is so, Hiram." "The barn yonder is arranged for the keeping of cattle. You should at least drive some young stock up here right away to eat up the roughage that is going to waste. We want to make all the fertilizer possible and spread it on the land as fast as it can be made and carted out of the barn basement." "But we can't handle milch cows here, Hiram, before we have a house in which to put a family to look after the cows and the milk." "That is why I say buy some young stock for the present. I can attend to them myself. They can be fattening at practically no expense. And all the time they will be making fertilizer for the place." "Well, Hiram, what is going to happen," asked Mr. Bronson, quizzically, "when we give up farming with horses and mules entirely and use only tractors?"