CHAPTER II.
THE BOAT.

Tom’s work during the summer, was to take
care of a garden, and a field of potatoes, corn,
and pumpkins. He had two pigs to feed, the
fire-wood to cut and carry in, and in various
ways to help Bessie. Every morning, before
Mixon went to the mills, he set Tom his task
for the day: when that was done he could
amuse himself as he chose. Right heartily
did Tom go to work early the next morning.
It was only six o’clock when breakfast was
ready, and he had been working a whole hour.
After breakfast, Bessie put up her father’s din-
ner in a tin kettle, and he went off, as usual,
for the day. She then put the house all in
order, covered up the fire, and was ready by
ten o’clock to go out and help Tom.