The downward progress was not so smooth or so rapid as he desired.
"Needs greasin'," he said, looking at the plank with a knowing frown.

A rummage through the old corner cupboard where the provisions were kept provided him with a wide strip of bacon rind, such as Uncle Billy used to rub on his saw.

John Jay carried it out of doors and carefully rubbed the plank from one end to the other.

Then he greased the underside of the little board on which he intended to sit.

The result was all he could wish.