the use of tools, just as a girl learns to sew, to cook, and help her
mother in household duties. Then we should not have so many awkward,
stupid, bungling fellows, who can not do anything for themselves. It
is as disgraceful for a lad not to be able to drive a nail straight
without pounding his fingers or thumb as it is for a girl not to know
how to stitch on a button. But I am letting my hobby run away with me,
and no doubt you are anxious to be off. You will find the lumber piled
in the storeroom of the barn. Take what you need. Perhaps Leo will
lend you his pony to draw the load home."

"Thank you, sir!" answered Jack, heartily.

Now that the means of carrying out his plan were insured to him, he did
not feel in such a hurry; and, furthermore, though quite satisfied that
he should have no trouble about it, he would not have objected to a few
hints as to how to begin.

"Can you tell me, Uncle," asked the boy, half jocosely, "if any of the
distinguished men you are thinking of ever attempted to make a boat?"

"To be sure," returned the gentleman. "There was Peter the Great, who,
though a tyrannical ruler, might have earned fair wages as a
ship-builder. But we shall have to talk about him another time, when I
have leisure; for I see that at present Michael wants me to devote all
my attention to tomato plants, peas, beans, and seed potatoes. If you
wait till tomorrow, I will show you how to set to work."

"Oh, I guess we can get on!" returned Jack, becoming impatient again,
and feeling that it would be impossible to delay, with the whole bright
day before them. Rob seemed to be of the same opinion.