every mornin', and see dat dem boys does dere work, and don't chop down
de wrong trees. Mind now, I tell ye, you all will make a pile o' money
ef ye jist hire me to obersee dem boys."

For some time Harry resisted his entreaties, but at last, principally on
account of Kate's argument that the old man ought to be encouraged in
making something toward his living, if he were able and willing to do
so, Harry hired him on his own terms, which were ten cents a day.

About four o'clock every afternoon during his engagement, Uncle Braddock
made his appearance in the village, to demand his ten cents. When Harry
remonstrated with him on his quitting work so early, he said:

"Why, you see, Mah'sr Harry, it's a long way from dem woods here, and I
got to go all de way back home agin; and it gits dark mighty early dese
short days."

In about a week the old man came to Hurry and declared that he must
throw up his engagement.

"What's the matter?" asked Harry.

"I'm gwine to gib up dat job, Mah'sr Harry."

"But why? You wanted it bad enough," said Harry.

"But I'm gwine to gib it up now," said the old man.

"Well, I want you to tell me your reasons for giving it up," persisted
Harry.