It was very hard work, as his water was cold.

He was still working about this spot when Geary returned.

By this time Vandover was so tired that he trembled all over, his spine seemed to be breaking in two, and every now and then he paused and passed his hand over the small of his back, closing his eyes and drawing a long breath.
"Well, how are you getting on ?" asked Geary, as he came into the kitchen, drawing on his gloves, about ready to go home.
"Oh, I'm getting along," replied Vandover, rising up to his knees.
"You want to hurry up," answered Geary.

"You must be done with this house by this evening.

You see, I want to advertise it in to-morrow's papers." "All right; I'll have it done." "Pretty dirty, wasn't it ?" "Yes, pretty dirty." "You may have to work here a little later than usual this afternoon, but be sure you have everything cleaned up before you leave," Geary said.
"All right," answered Vandover, bending to his work again.
Just as Geary was leaving he had the admirable good fortune to meet on the steps of the cottage a little group who were house-hunting; two young women and a little boy.