while the two men went away, Brown observing, "One can scarce turn
'em out, poor things, but such a mere lubber as that boy is can do no
good! If the elder one had thought fit to stay and mind his own
business now!"

"A good riddance, I say," returned Blane. "Stead's a good-hearted
lad, though clownish, and I'll do what I can for him."




CHAPTER IX.

WINTRY TIMES.



"Thrice welcome may such seasons be,
But welcome too the common way,
The lowly duties of the day."


There was of course much to do. Steadfast visited his hoard and took
from thence enough to purchase churn, spinning wheel, and the few
tools that he most needed; but it was not soon that Patience could
sit down to spin. That must be for the winter, and their only chance
of light was in making candles.

Rusha could gather the green rushes, though she could not peel them
without breaking them; and Patience had to take them out of her hands