By this time the water was running as warm as fresh milk; and after taking breath, the Old Squire and Addison removed their coats, rolled up their sleeves and took their stations at the two tubs. Halstead, too, prepared to assist. "Now," said Addison, "let's each one have his or her particular part to do. I will name you, sir" (addressing Gramp), "_Chief Washer_, if you please. You may stand at the first, or lower, tub and take each sheep as it comes from the yard. I will name Halse your _Assistant Washer_. I will be _Rinser_ and stand at the second, or upper tub. Our new cousin here, I shall name _Catcher_. It is to be his business to catch the sheep in the yard and bring them, one by one, to the _Chief Washer_, and also take them back from the _Rinser_ to the yard; and he will have to look out sharp, or some of those strong, young sheep will throw him. Fact, I think I will name Nell, who is pretty nimble and strong, _Assistant Catcher_. She is to help hold and pull them along to the tub--and pick Catcher up, if he gets thrown. Wealthy may be _Sheep-Hole-Tender_; she must guard the sheep-hole and open and close it with the spruce bush, as ordered by the Catcher and Assistant Catcher. "I shall name Gram, if she has no objection, _Chief Fireman_, and Doad her assistant. It is to be their business to put the wood and dry stuff which we have gathered under the pipe and keep a good fire going. "Are you all satisfied with your parts?" he then asked. We all expressed ourselves delighted, except Halse, who desired to be Catcher, instead of Assistant Washer. Thereupon I offered to resign in his favor; but for reasons which they did not explain fully, the Old Squire and Addison opposed my resignation. Halse grumbled a little, but at length acquiesced. "Now then," continued Addison, "every one to his or her station, and the business of the day will open." Still laughing a good deal, we took our places. Elevating his voice, Addison then called out, "Catcher, do your duty!" The Sheep-Hole-Tender hauled aside the bush and Catcher, followed by Assistant Catcher, entered the yard.