They could not resist such subtle bribery, and soon Peter was on as familiar and friendly a footing as he could wish.

He came to know each by name, and was made the umpire in all their disputes and the confidant in all their troubles.

They were a dirty, noisy, lawless, and godless little community, but they were interesting to watch, and the lonely fellow grew to like them much, for with all their premature sharpness, they were really natural, and responded warmly to his friendly overtures.
After a time, Peter tried to help them a little more than by mere small gifts.

A cheap box of carpenter's tools was bought, and under his superintendence, evenings were spent in the angle, in making various articles.

A small wheel barrow, a knife-and-fork basket, a clock-bracket and other easy things were made, one at a time.