'I know that, Jim; but you see the case is altered--that plan of yours which I laughed so much about, makes altogether a great difference. I don't believe any body would want to work just for the sake of it, would they, mother?' 'No doubt, my dear, we need some stimulus to make us exert ourselves cheerfully; but your father always said that it was better to be at work, even if it did not amount to much; it was impossible, he said, for an idle person to be happy.' Mrs. Montjoy said but little by way of encouragement, for she saw that the boys were both highly elated with their success and the prospect before them; but she secretly admired and gratefully acknowledged the overruling of that kind Providence, which had opened a way for her children's usefulness and the supply of their wants. The next morning Jim and Ned did not need to be awaked; there was real business on their hands now, and they must use their time to the best advantage; so at it they went while the sun was but just rising, and by the time their breakfast was prepared, had completed hilling their cabbages: as they ceased work, Jim leaned on his hoe, and looking at his brother,-- 'I've been thinking, Ned, what we've got to do.' 'I knew you'd been thinking, for you haven't spoken a word this half hour; twice I asked you about old Peter, and you only answered, "Ha!"' 'Did I, Ned? well, I was thinking what we are going to do about these cabbages.' 'I don't see any thing to do about them; ain't they well hoed?' 'Yes, they are doing well enough; but what will the cow do!' 'Why, eat them; I am sure none of us wants them.' 'Yes, but Ned, how can the cow have them if we sell them?' 'That, to be sure; but where can we put any more--the garden is full?' 'We can put one here, and another there, and there in those vacant spots; there will be room for one hundred heads and more.' 'Well, Jim; any thing more?' 'Yes, I've been thinking where we could plant some more potatoes.' 'There is no use of thinking about that, Jim; for when these cabbages are planted, every spot will be occupied; you don't think of digging up the walks, do you?' 'No, not exactly that, Ned; but there is that strip of turf, south of the path running to the barn; the grass is of no value, and if mother would let us take it, we might turn it over with our spades, and raise twenty bushels of potatoes there.' 'Any thing else, Jim?' 'That will do for to-day, won't it, Ned?' 'I think we shall find it will--it makes my back ache already to think about that digging. I wish it was a little cooler.' The pleasant voice of their little sister was now heard calling them to breakfast, for which they were both well prepared by their early labors. CHAPTER III.