It is not a mere matter of strength getting on quickly with such work; is it, guest ?" "I should think not," said I, "but to tell you the truth, I have never tried my hand at it." "Really ?" said he gravely, "that seems a pity; it is good work for hardening the muscles, and I like it; though I admit it is pleasanter the second week than the first.

Not that I am a good hand at it: the fellows used to chaff me at one job where I was working, I remember, and sing out to me, 'Well rowed, stroke!' 'Put your back into it, bow!'" "Not much of a joke," quoth I.
"Well," said Dick, "everything seems like a joke when we have a pleasant spell of work on, and good fellows merry about us; we feels so happy, you know." Again I pondered silently..