fe Goes to Learn a Trade. 45

Willie, although he had never yet considered ©
how shoes are made, had seen at once that nothing
could be done until he had got the command of a
manageable bit of leather ; he found too much only
a shade better than too little; and he saw that it
wouldn’t be wise to cut a piece out azywhere, for
that might spoil what would serve for a large pair
of shoes or even boots. Therefore he kept turning
the skin round until he came to a small projecting
piece. This he contemplated for some time, trying
to recall the size of Dolly’s feet, and to make up
his mind whether it would not be large enough for
one or even for both shoes. A smile passed over
Hector’s face—a smile of satisfaction,

“That’s it!” he said at last. “I think you’ll
do. That’s the first thing—to consider your stuff,
and see how much you can make of it. Waste isa
thing that no good shoemaker ever yet. could
endure. It’s bad in itself, and so unworkmanlike!
Yes, I think that corner will do. Shall I cut it off
for you?”

“No, thank you—not yet, please. I think I
must go and look at her feet, for I can’t recollect
guite how big they are. I’ll just run home and
look.” ‘

“Do you think you will be able to carry the
exact size in your head, and bring it back with
you?”

“Yes, I think IT shall.”