"How much will you work for?" asked Joe Williams, who hesitated at paying any money in wages.
"How much-a da work to do?" asked Tony.
"Oh, we've enough for a week or a month—maybe more—that's if you can do our work."
"I understand-a da work," replied Tony, "and I like-a da live in-a da country, if you no-a make-a me sleep in-a da barn."
"Where do you come from?" asked Bob.
"From Italia. My fader, he-a da contracdisto and I learn-a da mase and-a da carpendero."
"Well, why didn't you stay in Italy?" asked Bob.
"Oh," he said, shrugging his shoulders, "there no-a da mon in-a da
Italia and too-a much da hard work."
So asking questions and listening to Tony's answers the three reached the house, where Bob quickly explained the matter to his aunt. She came out and asked Tony to stay and have dinner with them. He was given a basin and towel and after he had made his toilet his appearance was decidedly improved.
"He says he doesn't want a job," remarked Joe Williams to his wife, when they were alone after dinner, "if he has to sleep in the barn."