A corner of Tobias' mouth turned up ever so lightly when the girl repeated the reward she'd get as if she had just learned she had inherited a large sum of money. But really, he couldn't help feeling sorry, the way the two seemed delighted over such a small wage and short job. It was the poorest people than came for the 'taiter-pickin', mostly women and children who took any work to earn a shilling or two to complement the husband's income. How desperate these two had to be, for this to seem like some grand opportunity.

"Well, I trust that ye will be," he replied to the girl. If her hands moved anywhere near as fast as her mouth, she would certainly be a hard worker.

The waitress brought their food and drinks. She looked from Tobias to the children with a quizzical expression, but then left them alone.

"Now, as for sleepin' arrangements," he said, turning to the boy once again. "I was goin' to expect ye to find yer own. It's warm enough to camp out. But that won't do for yer sister. Ye can sleep in t' barn. We'll find yer sister a spot in t' house."