Harry's father owned a woodsled--one of the very few sleds or sleighs in the county--which was quite an imposing affair, as to size, at least.

It was about eight feet long and four feet wide; and although it was rough enough,--being made of heavy boards, nailed transversely upon a couple of solid runners, with upright poles to keep the load in its place--it was a very good sled, as far as it went, which had not been very far of late; for there had been no good sledding for several seasons.

Old Mr.
Truly Matthews had a large pile of wood cut in a forest about a mile and a half from the village, and the boys knew that he wanted it hauled to the house, and that, by a good day's work, considerable money could be made.
All the arrangements were concluded on Friday, which was a half-holiday, on account of the snow making travelling unpleasant for those scholars who lived at a distance.

Harry's father gave his consent to the plan, and loaned his sled.

Three negro men agreed to help for one-fourth of the profits.