Now, without five dollars in his pocket, he made the elementary discovery that even in chopping wood skilled labor counts.

He did not know where to turn next, and he would not have had the money to go far in any case.

So, although Shearer's brusque greeting that morning had argued a lack of cordiality, he resolved to remind the riverman of his promised assistance.
That noon he carried out his resolve.

To his surprise Shearer was cordial--in his way.

He came afterward to appreciate the subtle nuances of manner and treatment by which a boss retains his moral supremacy in a lumber country,--repels that too great familiarity which breeds contempt, without imperiling the trust and comradeship which breeds willingness.