The next two months were a turning point in Peter’s life. As a gypsy boy he was accustomed to idleness. Now he had to work hard from morning to night. But growing up in his heart was a strong desire to prove that he could be useful, and earn his bread. Once, when he was almost ready to give up, and steal away to the woods, Sabas spoke a word of praise to him in the field.
“For thy years,” he said, “I never saw so good a workman. You drive the ox as steadily as a man, and the creature likes you, I think, for he does your bidding as he does not mine.”
Peter’s heart swelled until he thought it would burst. “A good workman!” he sang to himself. “That’s worth while!”
On another discouraging day, Maria met him when he came home, and presented him with a gift. It was a homespun smock such as the men wore. And with it she gave him a sheepskin cloak. He felt very grand indeed. Very fine he looked when he had smoothed his black curls with a rough wooden comb, and had donned boots that Sabas made, and the gorgeous smock, and white sheepskin cloak.
“He looks well,” said Maria, with a bright look on her face.
“If he grows, he will do well enough,” said Sabas, “and I think he is getting taller.”
One day a messenger came running to the field where Sabas was at work. He said only two words, “The Turks.”
