Since the frost had come, sealing the waters outside, Quonab would wash his hands in the vessel that was also the bread pan.

Rolf had New England ideas of propriety in cooking matters, and finally he forgot the respect due to age and experience.

That was one reason why he went out alone that day.

Now, with time to think things over, the obvious safeguard would be to have a wash bowl; but where to get it?
In those days, tins were scarce and ex-pensive.

It was the custom to look in the woods for nearly all the necessaries of life; and, guided by ancient custom and experience, they seldom looked in vain.