He perceived that Jonas's charge against him was just.
"Besides," continued Jonas, "there are some other reasons why Oliver should command, rather than you.

First he understands more of farmer's work, being more accustomed to it; secondly, he is older." "No," interrupted Josey, "he isn't older.

I'm the oldest." "Are you ?" said Jonas.
"Yes," replied Josey.

"I'm two months older than he is." Oliver had so much more prudence and discretion, and being, besides, a little larger than Josey, made Jonas think that he was older.
"Well," said Jonas, "at any rate, he has more judgement and experience, and he certainly obeys better.

So you may go back to your work, and let Oliver take the command, and then, after a little while, if Oliver says that you have obeyed him well, I'll try the experiment of letting you, Josey, command." The boys accordingly went back, and finished loading up the old General.
Oliver took the direction, and Josey obeyed very well.