All boys, and indeed some girls, were allowed to help.

One would saw off the end of a plank; another would rule a pencil line; the next would plane the plank down to that line; the next would bore the holes in it; the next would screw it into position; the next would sandpaper it The work went very slowly, but every one who would, had his share in it, while the rest sat and watched.

When the article was completed, lots were drawn for it, and happy was the fortunate one who drew the magnificent prize in life's lottery! Occasionally too, Peter brought a book with him, and read it aloud to them.

He was rather surprised to find that they did not take to Sunday-school stories or fairy tales.

Wild adventures in foreign lands were the most effective; and together they explored the heart of Africa, climbed the Swiss mountains, fought the Western Indians, and attempted to discover the North Pole.