About four o'clock
how nasty those potatoes were . '' Bert returned to the field , and resumed his work . He found it hard to keep up with Silas Wilson , whose energies seemed to be quickened by his midday meal . About four o'clock a man came along who wanted to see Silas on business , and he went back to the house , leaving Bert to continue his work alone . `` This is about the longest day I ever passed , '' thought Bert , pausing to wipe his moistened forehead . `` I am afraid I shall never want to be a farmer . I must n't forget , though , that I am to receive sixteen cents and a little over per day , besides board -- and such board !