He attends to what I say and remembers it, and I find I can trust him to do jobs that I have never been able to trust boys with, before.
He seems to take an interest in it, and as he is well spoken and civil, he ought to get on and make a good gardener, in time." "I am glad to hear a good account of him," the squire replied.

"He is sharp and intelligent, and will make his way in life, or I am mistaken.

His father was an uncommonly clever fellow, though he made a mess of it, just at the end; and I think the boy takes after him." Among Reuben's other duties was that of feeding and attending to the dogs.

These consisted of two setters, a pointer, and a large house dog, who was chained up at the entrance to the stables.
Reuben was soon excellent friends with the sporting dogs, but the watchdog, who had probably been teased by Reuben's predecessor, always growled and showed his teeth when he went near him; and Reuben never dared venture within the length of his chain, but pushed the bowl containing his food just within his reach.
One day, he had been sent on an errand to the stables.

He forgot the dog and ran close to the kennel.