“Ay. So it was. Standing all a-tremble in its box. I couldn't have taken it out anyway.”
The Captain looked me coldly up and down.
“What are you standing here for?” he asked sharply.
“Captain said I was to drive to the station.”
“Well, then, be off and get ready.”
But Nils took him up on the instant.
“That can't be done.”
“Bravo, Nils!” said I to myself. The lad was thoroughly in the right, and he looked it, sturdily holding his own. And as for the horses, our own had been sorely overdone with the long season's work, and the strange cattle stood there eating their heads off and spoiling for want of exercise.
“Can't be done?” said the Captain, astounded. “What do you mean?”
“If Captain takes away the help I've got, then I've finished here, that's all,” says Nils.