The work was simple, and required strength and activity, rather than any skill or intelligence, and yet, to one entirely unused to such work, it came very hard.

The heat was intense and overpowering, and there was much hurry to get the wheat, trodden out that day, through the fan; since, if that work was done an hour before sundown, the hands would have, according to a promise of Covey, that hour added to their night's rest.

I was not behind any of them in the wish to complete the day's work before sundown, and, hence, I struggled with all my might to get the work forward.

The promise of one hour's repose on a week day, was sufficient to quicken my pace, and to spur me on to extra endeavor.

Besides, we had all planned to go fishing, and I certainly wished to have a hand in that.