They labored conscientiously but not zealously.

There is a deal of difference, and the lumber-jack's unaided conscience is likely to allow him a certain amount of conversation from the decks of skidways.

The work moved slowly.

At Christmas a number of the men "went out." Most of them were back again after four or five days, for, while men were not plenty, neither was work.

The equilibrium was nearly exact.
But the convivial souls had lost to Dyer the days of their debauch, and until their thirst for recuperative "Pain Killer," "Hinckley" and Jamaica Ginger was appeased, they were not much good.