"Jonas," said Josey, "I wouldn't go."
"No, I think it very likely that you wouldn't. You are not a very efficient boy."
"What is an efficient boy?" asked Josey.
"One that has energy and resolution enough to go on and accomplish his object, even if there are difficulties in the way."
"Is that what you mean by being efficient?" said Josey.
"Yes;—a boy that hasn't some efficiency, isn't good for much."
As he said this, Jonas had got one of the oxen yoked. He then went to bring up the other.
When the other ox was up in his place, Jonas raised the end of the yoke, and put it over his neck.
"You see," continued he, "your uncle wants all those rafters got down. It will be a little harder getting them, in the storm; but I care nothing for that. It will be a great satisfaction to him to have them all safe down here before it drifts. He doesn't require me to go; but if I go voluntarily and bring them down, don't you think that, to-morrow morning, when he finds two feet of snow on the ground, he'll be glad to think that all his rafters are safe in the yard?"
"Why, yes," said Josey. "I've a great mind to go with you."