He was a man of forty, stout and able to work, but had enjoyed few opportunities of cultivating his mind.

Though a faithful laborer, he was destitute of the energy and ambition which might ere this have placed him in charge of a farm of his own.

In New England few arrive at his age without achieving some position more desirable and independent than that of farm laborer.

However, he looked pleasant and good-natured, and Mr.Frost accounted himself fortunate in securing his services.
The harvest had been got in, and during the winter months there would not be so much to do as before.

Jacob, therefore, "hired out" for a smaller compensation, to be increased when the spring work came in.
Frank had not been idle.