“Because,” said Jonas, “little boys will never follow any directions. They always want to do the work their own way.”
“O, but we will obey the directions,” said Rollo.
“Do you remember about the wood-pile?” said Jonas.
Rollo hung his head, and looked a little ashamed.
“What was it about the wood-pile?” said James.
“Why, I told Rollo,” said Jonas, “that he ought to pile wood with the big ends in front, but he did not mind it; he thought it was better to have the big ends back, out of sight; and that made the pile lean forward; and presently it all fell over upon him.”
[pg 79]“Did it?” said James. “Did it hurt you much, Rollo?”
“No, not much. But we will follow the directions now, Jonas, if you will tell us what to do.”
“Very well,” said Jonas, “I will try you.
“In the first place, you must get a few old pieces of board, and lay them along the quagmire to step upon, so as not to get your feet muddy. Then you must go and get a load of stones, in each wheelbarrow, and wheel them along. You must not tip them down at the beginning of the muddy place, for then they will be in your way when you come with the next load.