John Walker had a wagon, which was merely a set of wheels, with a board floor laid on the axletrees, and the use of this he contributed in consideration of a little larger share in the profits.
Harry hired Grits and another mule at a low rate, as there was not much for mules to do at that time of the year.
The men were to cut up and deliver the wood and get receipts for it from the station-master; and it was to be Harry's business to collect the money at stated times, and divide the proceeds according to the rate agreed upon.

Harry and his father made the necessary arrangements with the station-master, and thus all the preliminaries were settled quite satisfactorily.
In a few days the negroes were at work, and as they both lived but a short distance from the creek, on the village side, it was quite convenient for them.

John Walker had a stable in which to keep the mules, and the cost of their feed was also to be added to his share of the profits.
In a short time Harry had quite a number of applications from negroes who wished to cut wood for him, but he declined to hire any additional force until he saw how his speculation would turn out.
Old Uncle Braddock pleaded hard to be employed.

He could not cut wood, nor could he drive a team, but he was sure he would be of great use as overseer.
"You see, Mah'sr Harry," he said, "I lib right on de outside edge ob you' pa's woods, and I kin go ober dar jist as easy as nuffin, early every mornin', and see dat dem boys does dere work, and don't chop down de wrong trees.

Mind now, I tell ye, you all will make a pile o' money ef ye jist hire me to obersee dem boys." For some time Harry resisted his entreaties, but at last, principally on account of Kate's argument that the old man ought to be encouraged in making something toward his living, if he were able and willing to do so, Harry hired him on his own terms, which were ten cents a day.
About four o'clock every afternoon during his engagement, Uncle Braddock made his appearance in the village, to demand his ten cents.