The prospect of seeing him ejected from the farm was pleasant, but it was too far off.

John did not feel like waiting so long for the gratification of his revengeful feelings.
He resolved in the meantime to devise some method of injuring or annoying Frank.
He could not at once think of anything feasible.

Several schemes flitted across his mind, but all were open to some objection.

John did not care to attempt anything which would expose him, if discovered, to a legal punishment.

I am afraid this weighed more with him than the wrong or injustice of his schemes.
At last it occurred to him that Mr.Frost kept a couple of pigs.