"How wide?"
"Just wide enough for a man to get into it and lay the logs and drive the joints together. And, by the way, you'd better be sure that there are no leaks, and that the water comes through all right, before you cover your logs."
"But there's work in digging such a trench as that!" said Wad, shaking his head.
"So there is work in everything useful that is ever accomplished. Often the more work, the greater the satisfaction in the end. But you boys have got it in you,—I see that; and, let me tell you," said Jack, "if I were you, I would take hold of things on this place in downright earnest, and make a farm and a home to be proud of."
"I never could get in love with work," replied Wad. "I'm constitutionally tired, as the lazy man said. The thought of that trench makes my back ache."
"It won't be such a back-aching job as you suppose. You've only to take one stroke with a pick or shovel at a time. And as for that constitutional weariness you complain of, now is the time in your lives to get rid of it,—to work it out of your blood,—and lay the foundations of your manhood."
"I must say, you preach pretty well!" observed Wad.
"I'm not much of a preacher," replied Jack; "but I can't help feeling a good deal, and saying just a word, when I see young fellows like you neglecting your opportunities."
"If father and Rad would take hold with us, we would just straighten things," said Rufe.
"Don't wait for your father to set you an example," replied Jack. "I don't know about Rad, though I've heard you speak of him."