“Come and work with us,” said Ben; “this ground must be all cleared to-day.”
“And why to-day?” said Mark.
“Because Farmer Joyce told us this morning that when it was cleared he would give us half-a-crown.”
“You can work to-morrow.”
“Ah, but to-morrow is the fair-day, and that is why we are so anxious for the money.”
“I will gladly rise early to help you to-morrow, but this day, Ben, we ought not to work. The Lord has commanded us to keep the Sabbath holy, and we never shall be losers by obeying Him.”
“Here’s the pilgrim come to preach,” cried Madge in a mocking tone.
“I tell you what,” said Jack, stopping a moment in his work, “you’d better mind your own business and be off; I don’t know what you have to do with us.”
“What I have to do with you!” exclaimed Mark. “Am I not your brother, the son of your mother? Am I not ready and willing to help you, and to rise early if I am ever so much tired?”