144 SHOEMAKING WORK. CHAP. vm. 



I picked up the little thing, I could not but feel 

 thankful that my patience and perseverance had at 

 last been crowned with success. It was the first 

 Little Stint I had ever shot, and the only one I 

 have ever seen in this neighbourhood." ^ 



In thus pursuing his researches Edward lost much 

 of his time, and, in proportion to his time, he also lost 

 much of his wages. But his master used to assist 

 him in making up his lost time. It was a common 

 remark of his, " Give Tarn the stuff for a pair of 

 pumps at night, and if he has any of his cantrips in 

 view, we are sure to have them in the morning ready 

 for the customer." Edward took the stuff home with 

 him, and, instead of going to bed, worked at the shoes 

 all night, until they were finished and ready for 

 delivery. He had another advantage in making up 

 for lost time. His part of the trade was of the lightest 

 sort. He made light shoes and pumps. He was one 

 of those who, among the craft, are denominated ready. 

 He was thus able to accomplish much more than 

 those who were engaged at heavier work. This, 

 together with his practice of spending not a moment 

 idly, was much in his favour. 



He also contrived to preserve his specimens during 

 his meal hours, or in his idle times " betwixt pairs,"- 

 whilst, as shoemakers would say, they were " on the 

 hing." During the long winter nights, he arranged 

 the objects preserved, and put them in their proper 

 cases. In order the better to accomplish this work, 



