In a few days his hands became hard and used to the cold.
From shortly after daylight he worked.

Four other men bore him company, and twice Radway himself came by, watched their operations for a moment, and moved on without comment.

After Thorpe had caught his second wind, he enjoyed his task, proving a certain pleasure in the ease with which he handled his tool.
At the end of an interminable period, a faint, musical halloo swelled, echoed, and died through the forest, beautiful as a spirit.

It was taken up by another voice and repeated.

Then by another.