mes to obtain lime, nails, and windows.

A few days after, the carpenter came, and, assisted by Thomas and
James, he set about his task. James had never seen a frame house
built, and he was as eager and curious to watch how the work was done
as he had been years before, when the shoemaker sat in the log cabin
and made him his first pair of shoes.

[Illustration: The carpenter set about his task.]

He not only watched every operation, but eagerly lent a hand where he
could. Hammer, chisel, and plane were in turn used as deftly as if he
had served an apprenticeship to the trade. He especially distinguished
himself in planing the boards ready for the carpenter, who declared
that James was equal to a trained workman. He did the work well and
quickly, and was so delighted with his success that he called it "fun."

When the frame was ready, the neighbours came on an appointed day to
help to raise it and put it in position. This was a great day for Mrs.
Garfield, who received the congratulations of her neighbours, and
listened with motherly pride to the words of praise they bestowed upon
the son who had made this provision for his mother. Nailing on the
boards next gave James work thoroughly to his mind. Boys are always
fond of driving nails, and James was no exception to the rule.

The new frame house was a great improvement on the log cabin. It
contained three rooms on the ground floor, and two above, and it was
altogether better finished and more comfortable than the ruder dwelling
had been. The building of the new house had been a most enjoyable time
to James, and it had also been a valuable experience to the observant
lad. He turned it over in his mind for several months, and then he
told his mother that he thought he might be able to earn some money by
working at the carpenter's trade. She said that he had quite enough to
do, but she was willing to let him try.

"Yes, I will try," said James, for he had long ago found out that there
was nothing like trying.

An hour later he was in the carpenter's shop. The man gave him a
hearty welcome. When he heard the object of the lad's mission, he at
once said--

"I shall be glad to give you a job. I like boys who want to help their
mothers. I don't like lazy boys, and I know there is not a lazy bone
in your body."

James agreed to begin on the following day, and the carpenter gave him
a pile of boards to plane. He was to receive a halfpenny for each
boa