Clothing cost money, and there was very little money in the log-cabin, or indeed in the whole settlement, if settlement it can be called.

There was no house within a mile, and the village a mile and a half away contained only a school-house, a grist-mill, and a little log store and dwelling.
Two weeks before my story opens, a farmer living not far away called at the log-cabin.

Thomas, the oldest boy, was at work in a field near the house.
"Do you want to see mother ?" he asked.
"No, I want to see you." "All right, sir! Here I am," said Thomas, smiling pleasantly.
"How old are you ?" asked the farmer.
"Eleven years old, sir." The farmer surveyed approvingly the sturdy frame, broad shoulders, and muscular arms of the boy, and said, after a pause, "You look pretty strong of your age." "Oh, yes, sir," answered Thomas, complacently "I am strong." "And you are used to farm work ?" "Yes, sir.

I do about all the outdoor work at home, being the only boy.
Of course, there is Jimmy, but he is only four, and that's too young to work on the farm." "What does he want ?" thought Thomas.
He soon learned.
"I need help on my farm, and I guess you will suit me," said Mr.Conrad, though that was not his name.

In fact, I don't know his name, but that will do as well as any other.
"I don't know whether mother can spare me, but I can ask her," said Thomas.