out of the street amongst us. And yet what's to be done? I
see no choice. If you happen to know of a good hand anywhere whom you
would have no objection to work with, say the word, and I'll send and
get him though it should cost me no small sum."

Scarce had Master Martin said this, when a young man of tall, powerful
figure cried in at the door, in a loud voice, "I say, is this Master
Martin's?"

"Yea," said Master Martin, stepping up to the young man, "verily it is;
but there's no occasion to shout in that murdering sort of style. That
is not the way to come at people."

"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed the young man. "I see you are Master Martin
yourself. You answer exactly to the description of him given to me--the
fat corporation, the imposing double chin, the flashing eyes, and the
red nose. My best respects to you, Master Martin."

"Well, sir," said Master Martin, greatly irritated, "and what may your
business with Master Martin be?"

"I am a journeyman cooper," the young man answered, "and all I want is
to know if you can give me a job of work here."

Master Martin took a step or two backward in sheer amazement at the
notion that, just when he had made up his mind to look out for another
hand, one should appear and offer himself; and he scanned the young man
closely from head to foot. The latter met his gaze with which flashed.
Now, as Master Martin observed the broad chest, athletic build, and
powerful hands of the young man, he thought to himself, "This is just
the stout, strong-built sort of fellow that I want." And he asked him
for his certificates.

"I have not got them with me," the young man said, "but I will soon get
them. In the meantime, I give you my word that I will do your work
faithfully and honourably. That must suffice for the time." And
therewith, without waiting for Master Martin's leave, he strode into
the workshop, threw down his barret and his bundle, tied on his apron,
and said, "Now then, Master Martin, tell me what to set about."

Master Martin, puzzled by this cool manner of setting about matters,
had to take thought with himself for a moment. "Well," he said, "my
lad, to show us that you are a trained cooper, set to with the notcher
upon that cask there at the end stool."

The stranger journeyman accomplished the task told off to him with
remarkable force, skill, and rapidity. And then, loudly laughing, he
cried, "Now, master, have you any doubt that I am a trained cooper?
But," he cont