“Yes.”
“Well, I’ve got a lot of axes to make for the logging swamp; my apprentice has got a fever; I must have some one to strike; I tried for Joe Griffin, but he’s going into the woods, and Henry too; why can’t you help me?”
“I don’t know how.”
“All I want of you is to blow and strike; you will soon learn to strike fair; you are certainly strong enough.”
“Reckon I am. I can lift your load, and you on top of it.”
“Well, then, why can’t you help me? I’m sure I don’t know what I shall do.”
“If father is willing, I’ll help you till school begins.”
The result was, that John, in a short time, evinced, not only a great fondness, but also a remarkable capacity for the work, made flounder and eel-spears, clam-forks, and mended all his father’s broken hay-forks and other tools.
John worked with Peter till school began. The day before going to school, he went to see Charlie, as passing to and from the island in winter was so difficult they seldom met.