Indeed, he
could not have done so, for his chin was propped upon the top rail
of the fence.
"You are a stranger, I see," she added.
"Yes, in these parts," he replied.
"Looking for work?"
He hardly knew what answer to make, so he said, at a venture,
"That's as it happens." Then he colored a little, for the words
seemed foolish to his ears.
"Time's precious," said the girl, "so I'll tell you at once we want
help. Our hay MUST be got in while the fine weather lasts."
"I'll help you!" Jacob exclaimed, taking his arms from the rail,
and looking as willing as he felt.
"I'm so glad! But I must tell you, at first, that we're not rich,
and the hands are asking a great deal now. How much do you
expect?"
"Whatever you please?" said he, climbing the fence.
"No, that's not our way of doing business. What do you say to a
dollar a day, and found?"
"All right!" and with the words he was already at her side, taking
long strides over the elastic turf.
"I will go on with my mowing," said she, when they reached the
horses, "and you can rake and load with my father.
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