regularly hired to any one that winter, to cut and haul his wood for
him, on shares. John Walker had a wagon, which was merely a set of
wheels, with a board floor laid on the axletrees, and the use of this he
contributed in consideration of a little larger share in the profits.
Harry hired Grits and another mule at a low rate, as there was not much
for mules to do at that time of the year.

The men were to cut up and deliver the wood and get receipts for it from
the station-master; and it was to be Harry's business to collect the
money at stated times, and divide the proceeds according to the rate
agreed upon. Harry and his father made the necessary arrangements with
the station-master, and thus all the preliminaries were settled quite
satisfactorily.

In a few days the negroes were at work, and as they both lived but a
short distance from the creek, on the village side, it was quite
convenient for them. John Walker had a stable in which to keep the
mules, and the cost of their feed was also to be added to his share of
the profits.

In a short time Harry had quite a number of applications from negroes
who wished to cut wood for him, but he declined to hire any additional
force until he saw how his speculation would turn out.

Old Uncle Braddock pleaded hard to be employed. He could not cut wood,
nor could he drive a team, but he was sure he would be of great use as
overseer.

"You see, Mah'sr Harry," he said, "I lib right on de outside edge ob
you' pa's woods, and I kin go ober dar jist as easy as nuffin, early