On that score he was hurt and mad, and declared he would have revenge.

But being a poor boy, a fact of which Crawford had already taken shameful advantage when he extorted three days' labor, Abe was glad to get work anywhere, and frequently hired out to his old adversary.

His first business in Crawford's employ was daubing the cabin, which was built of unhewn logs with the bark on.

In the loft of this house, thus finished by his own hands, he slept for many weeks at a time.

He spent his evenings as he did at home,--writing on wooden shovels or boards with 'a coal, or keel, from the branch.' This family was rich in the possession of several books, which Abe read through time and again, according to his usual custom.