The latter jumped to the task of punching, with sharp, snapping clicks, cutting circular bits of leather out of the side of the upper, leaving the holes which were to hold the laces.

After observing a few times, the girl let her work at it alone.

Seeing that it was fairly well done, she went away.
The pieces of leather came from the girl at the machine to her right, and were passed on to the girl at her left.

Carrie saw at once that an average speed was necessary or the work would pile up on her and all those below would be delayed.

She had no time to look about, and bent anxiously to her task.