“Neither do any one of us, Verny,” added Julie.
“Well, if that is the general wish, we can work on the hut and call it recreation, you know,” answered Mrs. Vernon.
The moment the knots and reading were finished, they all ran over to the tool-chest to select whatever implements they might need. Mrs. Vernon handed out a spade and a pick, but no one took advantage of them.
“What are they for?” asked Ruth.
“We will have to divide the work as we did yesterday. Two can dig the cellar while two haul timbers for the hut.”
“Dig cellar! You haven’t any cellar under yours,” returned Joan, amazed.
“But we have! Do you suppose those timbers and flooring would have lasted as long as this if we hadn’t excavated a pit under them. The hole may have filled up with leaves and dried wood material, but all the earth was cleaned out by digging a cellar at least three feet deep. This gave ventilation and kept our things from mildewing.”
“Why don’t we all dig foundations, then, and finish it so much the sooner?” asked Julie.
“You’ll find it isn’t the easiest work to stoop over with a pick or spade and move earth that is filled with heavy stones. Your backs will ache in a short time, and you’ll grow tired of the task. Then I propose exchanging those weary ones for two fresh diggers,” explained the Captain. “Turn and turn about keeps one from feeling any monotony in the work.”
“All right—send Ruth and Joan off for the first haul of logs,” replied Julie, resignedly.