"'Well, I don't like not having 'nuff to eat,' said the big boy vexedly. 'I brings home all I earns, and it ain't fair.'
"'And how much have you earned this week?' asked his mother crossly.
"'Well, look at this weather, for yer,' answered he; 'how can us earn when no one won't build at any price?'
"'Then shut up,' answered the tired mother, 'and wait for better times.'
"She rose, and prepared to put the baby to bed. The eldest little girl washed up the few cups, while the boys began an undertoned game at tickling each other, which soon resulted in laughter and subdued noise. This brought down on them a sharp reprimand from their mother, and finally a box on the ears all round.
"Somewhat quieted, but in no good humour, they retired into a corner, and proceeded to cut up some pieces of wood which their brother's trade supplied them with. They could muster but one knife between them, but a boy cautiously crept to the cupboard and abstracted one belonging to the housekeeping, the rest watching their mother's head lest she should discover the act of disobedience; for such it was in this little home, where a lost knife would be a serious misfortune.
"At last the baby was carried upstairs for the night, and the mother descended with her hands free for the time.
"'Off to bed you go,' she said to the next three, who were crowding over the little fire.
"There was no objection for once, but just as the little girl of ten years old was taking the lamp to light them to bed a knock came at the door and startled them all.
"The girl set down the light and opened the door.