Physically, it was grand for him.

What thews he gained; what bands of muscle criss-crosses between and below his shoulders! What arms he had and what full cushions formed upon his chest! That was the maul.

How he ate and drank and slept! The days shortened, and the hoar frosts in the early morning made the fence look a thing in silver-work strung through the woods.

Where the oxen had stepped in some soft place were now, at the beginning of the day, thin flakes of ice.

Even in the depth of the clover-mow the change of temperature was manifest, and Harlson slept with a blanket close about him.