CHAPTER ix

THE following summer Jouse said to Christopher
clt is time that you started to learn your trade,
for although you are only eight years old, early train-
ing makes the hands grow strong and supple. I think
that I will teach you in the evenings, my son, after
you have finished your school preparation; and some-
times you must work on half-holidays also, as I had to
do when I was your age and must very often assist my
father.'
So Christophe began his youthful career by
acquiring a knowledge of the ways of tools, even as
Anfos had done before him.
He did not resent this additional work, indeed
it seemed to him right enough, for many another boy
at the school must contribute his share towards
helping his parents, and moreover he rather enjoyed
the small tasks with which he would now find himself
entrusted. At eight years old he was tall for his
age and gave promise of very great physical strength,
so that he could hammer away with a will, and could
presently even use a light saw, driving it strongly
through the planks with an accuracy which surprised
his father.
'Segnour Dieu!5 Jouse would exclaim, delighted.
'But this is excellent, pichounet — one would think
that you had long been accustomed to the job!5
Then Christophe would flush with pride and
pleasure.
in