"Our cousin, Radcliff," said Rufe. "He's a smart fellow, in his way, but he don't like work any better than we do, and he's off playing the gentleman most of the time."
"Or playing the loafer," said Wad.
"Let him stay away," said Jack. "You'll do better without any gentlemen loafers around."
"Did you ever do much hard work?" Wad asked.
"What do you think?" replied Jack, with a smile.
"I think you've seen something of the world."
"Yes, and I've had my way to make in it. I was brought up on the Erie Canal,—a driver, ignorant, ragged, saucy; you wouldn't believe me if I should tell you what a little wretch I was. All the education I have, I have gained by hard study, mostly at odd spells, in the last three years. I had got a chance to work on a farm, and go to school in winter; then I took to surveying, and came out here to be with Mr. Felton. So, you see, I must have done something besides loafing; and if I talk work to you I have earned the right to."
"I say, boys!" cried Link, "le's put this thing through, and have the water running in the house."
"It will do for you to talk," said Wad; "mighty little of the work you'll do."
"You'll see, Wad Betterson! Hain't I worked the past week as hard as either of you?"