"Yes, but strong man like work; not strong man not like work, Pablo. So now look on again, for we must have another spell."
"Strong man cut down trees, not strong man cut off branches," said Pablo, taking up the bill-hook and setting to work to cut off the boughs, which he did with great dexterity and rapidity.
Edward and Humphrey exchanged glances and smiles, and then worked away in silence till it was, as they supposed, dinner time. They were not wrong in their supposition, although they had no other clock than their appetites, which, however, tell the time pretty correctly to those who work hard. Alice had the platters on the table, and was looking out to see if they were coming.
"Why, Pablo, have you been at work?" said Edith.
"Yes, little missy, work all the morning."
"Indeed he has, and has worked very well, and been very useful," said
Edward.
"It has given you an appetite for your dinner, Pablo, has it not?" said
Humphrey.
"Have that without work," replied the boy.
"Pablo, you are a very good gipsy boy," said Edith, patting his head with a patronizing air; "I shall let you walk out with me and carry the basket to put the eggs in when you come home in the evening."
"That is a reward," said Humphrey, laughing.