By means of a longer hole than usual, David had wedged the handle in its place so that the head could not fly off, a wonderful improvement in the eyes of the carpenter, who boasted of his prize to his companions.

They all came to the shop next day, and each ordered just such a hammer.

When the contractor saw the tools, he ordered two for himself, asking that they be made a little better than those of his men.

"I can't make any better ones," said Maydole; "when I make a thing, I make it as well as I can, no matter whom it is for." The storekeeper soon ordered two dozen, a supply unheard of in his previous business career.

A New York dealer in tools came to the village to sell his wares, and bought all the storekeeper had, and left a standing order for all the blacksmith could make.