"'And I will set you across myself,' said the gentleman, 'it is only a short distance.'
"Accordingly they proceeded to the river, where a boat was in readiness, in which they soon reached the opposite shore.
"Having received the necessary directions, Crosby now proceeded on his course; and, by the hour of breakfast, had reached the ground where he was to begin his operations.
"At a farm house, near where he found himself he obtained a comfortable breakfast; after finishing which, he made himself known as a shoemaker, and begged employment.
"'Why,' said the farmer, 'just at present, we are pretty well shod.'
"'Well,' observed Crosby, 'perhaps you have other work, about which you can employ me. I can turn my hand to almost any kind of farming business.'
"'No doubt—no doubt,' said the farmer, 'you are no fool—from Yankee land, I guess—no matter—well, I don't care if you stay a couple of days, or so, and help me and my wife kill hogs, and a few such notions.'
"Terms were soon settled, and Crosby proved quite knowing and helpful."
* * * * *
"What noise is that?' asked Crosby, while he and the farmer were at work—'can it be thunder?'