He was about to take a journey at the time and I asked him if he really meant it.

He replied that he did, and started away.
I don't think he had any more idea of my doing the task than he had of my flying.

I had some ideas of my own on the subject, however, and he was scarcely out of sight before I began to put them into execution.

The larder of the hotel was well stocked, and cookies and doughnuts were as good a currency as gold and silver among boys of my acquaintance.

This being the case it dawned upon my mind that I could sublet the contract, a plan than I was not long in putting into practice.
Many hands make quick work, and it was not long before I had a little army of boys at work demolishing that wood pile.