184 SPLITTING OLD ROOTS. 



say^ that when they had thus driven four 

 wedges down, the wood gaped widely, and a 

 blow or two of the beetle against the part they 

 aimed to remove, detached it entirely, and the 

 wedges all at once jingled out. 



" You see," said Mr. Longhurst, that skill 

 and knowledge, as well as strength, are re- 

 quired even in the breaking up of the old 

 stump of a tree. I dare say, that in an hour 

 or two, this will be cracked into convenient 

 pieces for the fire." 



It is like in less time than that, Sir," said 

 one of the men, touching his hat ; ^' more par- 

 ticular if you please to give us a drop of drink." 



I thought that was coming," said Mr. 

 Longhurst, bestowing the needful shilling : 

 " There — Now tell us how much wood you 

 think this will make, when split." 



" Why, I reckon two good stacks. Sir." 



