On the other side was a quantity of timber, of all sizes and lengths, which the farmer and Amos had been getting out for the new barn.

Some of it was hewed, and some not; and several large pieces were laid out upon the level surface of the yard, and the farmer and Amos were sitting upon them, working upon the frame.
Amos was boring holes with an auger, and the farmer was cutting the holes thus made into a square form with a chisel.

Josey was there, too, and Amelia.

They were building a house of the blocks which had been sawed off from the ends of the timbers.
When, however, they heard the sound of Jonas's flail, they left their play, and came along to the barn to see him.

Josey came into the barn; Amelia remained at the door.
"What are you doing, Jonas ?" said Josey.
"Threshing some wheat," replied Jonas; "but stand back, or I shall hit you with the flail." "Are you going to mill ?" said Josey.
"Yes, I or somebody else.