One day his father dropped a chance word regarding some one, miles in the country, who wanted a fence built inclosing a tract out of the wood.

It was isolated work, a task of a month or two for a strong man, a mere laborer.

Young Harlson became interested.
"Why shouldn't I try it ?" he asked.
His father laughed.
"It's work for a toughened man, my boy.

You have softened with six years of only study." The boy laughed as well.
"You needn't fear," he said.

"All strength is not attained upon a farm, and I want to swing an ax and maul again." And that day he set out afoot for the home of the man who needed a fence.