“How did you pass the night?” he asked.
“Very comfortably, thank you,” answered Paul.
“I’ve been thinking about you fellows, and I’ve decided to let you remain at the post and work for your living. We’re shorthanded, and it’s mighty lucky for you that we are, for we can’t keep hangers-on and idlers around here. You—what is your name?”
“Paul Densmore.”
“You go over to the blacksmith’s shop, and help Thomas Ferguson, and do whatever he wants you to do. And you other fellow, what’s your name?”
“Dan’l Rudd, sir.”
“You can help Amos Tupper in the cooper shop.”
“Yes, sir.”
“When they haven’t anything for you to do, there’s plenty of wood to saw and split, and enough to keep you busy. Now get out.”