It's about another job.

Mr.MacFarlane, I am afraid, hasn't made much money on the fill and tunnel, but he has some other work offered him up in Western Maryland, which he may take, and which, if he does, may pay handsomely.

He wants me to go with him.

It means a shanty and a negro cook, as near as I can figure it, but I shall get used to that, I suppose.

What do you think about it ?" "Well," chuckled Peter--it was not news; MacFarlane had told him all about it the week before at the Century--"if you can keep the shanty tight and the cook sober you may weather it.