Rob returned to work at Deacon Cornhill’s, where he was greatly needed, every other hand having deserted him at this critical time, on the ground that he could not pay them. As much as he needed his wages, Little Hickory resolved to take his chances, pitying the unfortunate man in his distress, and believing he would eventually pay him all that was due to him.
Larry remained at Mr. Howlitt’s, probably the happiest of the entire number who had come to Basinburg.
So far Tom and Jerry had not found situations to work, and had remained at home. But Rob secured a chance for employment in a portable sawmill, where they went to work.
This was a severe “breaking in” for them, and more than once both were on the verge of throwing up their jobs. Probably the only thing that kept them at work was the fear that Little Hickory would send them back. Their task was to take away boards after they had been thrown from the carriage by the sawyer, and at times they had to hustle to keep the “run” clear. Not a night but found them glad to seek their rude bunks at an early hour, where they slept “like Turks,” as the expression goes.
As the mill was located more than three miles from home, and stood in the midst of the timber-lot, they did not go home oftener than once a week.
They boarded with the rest of the hands in the “shanty,” but, as there was not room enough for them there to sleep, they had to make up “shake-downs” in the mill. As it was warm weather they rather liked this arrangement.
They were reasonably faithful to their employer, and everything appeared to be going on well, until one afternoon, while the sawyer was crowding them uncommonly hard with boards, they got behind, so that the course got completely filled.
Now, it is always easier to keep square with one’s work than to catch up, once any time is lost. The fault, such as it was, was really Tom’s, as he had taken half an hour’s rest, saying it would be an easy matter to clear the run.
But the time lost could not be recovered, and in vain they worked to gain what they had neglected to keep. The sawyer was a crusty old man, who shouted angrily to them to clear the way. Unfortunately, the boss happened along just then, and, seeing the situation, he ordered that another hand should be put on the work.
Tom resented this, and answered back somewhat hastily. Bitter words followed, and almost before he knew it, Tom had lost his situation and Jerry was frightened over the affair.