220 Turning Over a JVeio Leaf. [Nov., 



" I can't find the axe, I would as soon undertake to make a 

 thing as to find it in this place. It seems to be a rule with every 

 one who uses a tool here to put it where it can't be found no how. 

 If it was left where it was used last, a body might find something 

 once in a while, but as it is, 'tis about impossible. I expect the 

 barn will be among the missing some day." 



" Never mind" said Mr. Butler, in a conciliating tone, " the 

 axe will turn up in course of the day. You see if you can set 

 these staves up, I want to step over and see if Holmes can come 

 and cut that buckwheat to-day." 



Hendricks did as he was requested. He set up the staves, and 

 looked round for the hoop to confine them in place. " I wonder," 

 said he, " If I am expected to sit here and hold these in place all 

 day. There is no hoop between here and the blacksmith's, I dare 

 say. I have done harder work than sitting and doing nothing, 

 and more profitable work for ray employer; but I must obey or- 

 ders. Benton's cows are to have another pull at that corn, I see 

 plainly." 



In due time Mr. Benton came, and Mr. Holmes with him, and 

 Holmes was ready to go at the buckwheat as soon as he had 

 ground up his new scythe, and spliced one of the fingers of his 

 cradle. 



" You have got them set up have you?" 



" Yes, but what is a going to hold them up when I let go of 

 them?" 



" Here is a hoop," said Mr. B. " I forgot to tell you about 

 it." 



Hendricks took it, and while Butler and Holmes were grinding 

 the scythe he put it on and drove it down. " There," said he 

 " that's the first job I've known to be finished on this ground since 

 I came here three months ago." At this moment Saul returned. 

 " Well Saul, what's the news?" 



" Benton says Hyde's cattle are in the lower meadow." 



" Very likely, I saw a red squirrel running towards the fence, 

 and I thought it likely he would get on it and throw it down. If 

 they find the potatoes, it will save some labor." 



" What about the potatoes?" said Mr. Butler, coming up at that 

 moment. 



" Hyde's cows are taking care of them," said Hendricks. 



" You run and drive them out Saul, and find out where they 

 got in, and put up the fence a little, just enough to turn them for 

 the present, I'll see to it in a day or two. Hendricks, you har- 

 ness the horses, we will try to get a load of that corn in before 

 dinner." 



In about half an hour, during which time Messrs. Butler and 

 Holmes had been employed in splicing the cradle finger, Hen- 



