"Of course ye can't expect much in the way of wages," remarked Mr. Benton, cautiously.
"No, not until I can do my full share of work," said Budd, indifferently.
A light gleamed for a moment in Mr. Benton's eyes.
"I might give ye ten dollars a month an' board, beginnin' the fust of the month, ye to work round for yer board till then," he ventured.
"Very well," responded the lad; and immediately after he added:
"I've walked a good ways to-day, and if you don't mind, I'll go to my room."
"Purhaps we'd better draw up a paper of agreement, an' both of us sign it," suggested Mr. Benton, rubbing his hands vigorously together, as though well pleased with himself and everybody else.
"All right, if that is your custom," said Budd. "Draw up the paper, and I'll sign it."
After considerable effort, Mr. Benton produced the following document:
On this 20 day of March Budd Boyd, a miner of Mass., agres to work for me, John Benton. He's to begin work April fust, an' work 6 munths, at 10 dollers an' bord. He's to work til the fust for his bord. If he quits work before his time is up he's to have no pay. To this I agree.