Therefore it is that I go to hear him preach whenever the people are
summoned to a meeting beneath the square of canvas in the wood, and more
than once I have heard from him that which has taken the sickness for
home out of my heart. Our people are not inclined to listen to him in
great numbers, however. I have never seen above twenty at one time,
the others being busy in the search for gold, or trying to decide among
themselves as to how it may best be found.
More than once have I heard Master Hunt say, while talking privately
with my master, that there would be greater hope for this village of
ours if we had more laborers and less gentlemen, for in a new land it
is only work that can win in the battle against the savages and the
wilderness.
Four carpenters, one blacksmith, two bricklayers, a mason, a sailor, a
barber, a tailor, and a drummer make up the list of skilled workmen,
if, indeed, one who can do nothing save drum may be called a laborer. To
these may be added twelve serving men and four boys. All the others are
gentlemen, or, as Master Hunt puts it, drones expecting to live through
the mercy of God whom they turn their backs upon.