tanding.
For the lack of this, disputes often arise, and mean men will take
advantage when so fair an opportunity is afforded them.

After Ben left the room, Nancy, who was sensible and practical, and
by no means niggardly as her father, said to him; "You ought to have
named your terms, Ben. Then you would know just what you are
earning."

"I was afraid I might ask too much, and lose the job."

"Now you may get too little."

"Even if I do, I would rather be at work than be doing nothing."

"That's the right way to feel," said Nancy, approvingly. "I like to see
a boy at your age industrious. As to the terms, I will try to make my
father do you justice."

"Thank you, ma'am. Can you tell me where you keep the saw and ax?"

"You will find them in the woodshed, in the L part."

"Thank you."

"How long do you expect the job will take you?"

"I should think two or three days; but I have never undertaken such
a large job of any kind before."

"Very well. I didn't speak of it because there is any hurry about it."

"You may not be in a hurry, but I am," thought Ben, "for I want the money."

Ben tackled the wood-pile vigorously. It was not a kind of work he
was partial to; but he was sensible enough to know that he must
accept what work came in his way without regard to his own
preferences.

He had been at work about an hour when he heard his name called
from the street. Looking up, he recognized James Watson.

"Is that you, Ben?" asked James, in some astonishment.

"It is supposed to be. Don't I look natural?" asked Ben, smiling.

"What are you doing?"

"Don't you see? I am sawing wood."

"You don't mean you go around from house to house sawing wood?"

"Why not?"

"I should think you would be too proud to do it."

"I am not too proud to do any honest work that will put money in my
pocket. Isn't it as respectable as working in the factory?"

"Certainly not. I am willing to work in the factory, but I wouldn't go
round sawing wood."

"You can afford to be proud, James, but I can't. We are almost out
of money, and I must do something."

"I don't believe the deacon will give you much of anything. He hasn't
the reputation of being very generous."

"I must take my chance at that."

"I am sorry for it. I wanted you to go fishing with me this afternoon."

"I should like to go, James, but business before pleasure, they say."

"Ben has not pride," thought James, as he went away, disappoint