efore sunset, and Master Plummer did but a small share of the
labour. After his exploit in building miniature mountains for
potato-hills, he became discouraged, and aunt Dorcas soon realised that
the task would progress more rapidly if he acted the part of spectator,
instead of farmer.

"There is considerably more work to be done; but we must put it off
until morning, for it is time to get supper now. Can you boys build a
fire better than you can plant a garden?"

Joe ran on ahead, to show what he could do in that line, and Plums
walked painfully by the side of aunt Dorcas towards the house.

"Whatever makes you limp so, George?" the little woman asked,
solicitously, and Master Plummer replied, with a long-drawn sigh:

"I don't know, 'less it is I'm all tired out. You see I never did much
farmin' before, an' it kind er strains me."

"Do you think you've been doing any now?" and aunt Dorcas looked up at
the fat boy, with an odd twinkle in her eye.

"Ain't that what we've been doin'?"

"It's what Joseph and I have been about; but you were lying down most of
the time. George, can it be possible you are lazy?"

"Some of the fellers say I am; but that's 'cause they don't know. It
tires me all out to move 'round very much."

"You look as if you never had any very active exercise; but there's one
thing we have to be thankful for: there isn't an indolent bone in
Joseph's body. If I had seen any symptoms of it, I don't believe I
should have had the courage to make such a change in my way of living as
we have decided upon."

Plums quickened his pace; he understood, both from her words and her
manner of speaking, that the little woman had no sympathy for "tired"
people, and the thought came into his mind that it was possible he might
not long remain an inmate of the cottage unless he proved he could be of
some service.

When they entered the kitchen Joe was building a fire in such a manner
as met with aunt Dorcas's warmest approval, and the glance she bestowed
upon him told Master Plummer, even more strongly than her words had
done, that he must exert himself if he wished to enjoy what he had
believed was a "soft snap."

After supper, on this evening, aunt Dorcas took up her knitting, the
boys seated themselves near the window, where they could see Dan, the
detective, if he should be so bold as to come again after Joe's warning,
and the three discussed the journey which the princess was to make on
the following day.