The inertia of a large body being thus overcome, that well-known property of matter tended to keep Rufus still in motion; and while Vinnie, with Lill's help, was getting the dinner ready, he might have been seen approaching the wood-pile with an eye to business.
"See here, Wad! This wood is pretty dry now; don't you think it had better be cut up and got in before there comes a rain?"
"Yes, s'pose 't would be a good idea."
"We ought to be ashamed," Rufe went on, "to have her calling for a handful of wood every time it's wanted, or going out to hack a little for herself, if we're not around; for she'll do it."
"I s'pose so," Wad assented. "Why don't you go to work and cut it up? I'll sit down on a log and whittle, and keep you company."
"Pshaw! don't talk that way. I'll go to work at it if you will. Come! Will you saw, or split?"
Wad laughed, and said he would split,—perhaps because the sawing must be done first.
"This saw is in a frightful condition!" Rufe said, stopping to breathe after sawing a few sticks.
"So is this axe; look at the edge! It's too dull even to split with," said Wad. "A small boy might ride to mill on it without suffering any very great inconvenience."
"If father would only file and set this saw, I'd help you grind the axe," said Rufe.