that, when England
used to send her thieves to Virginny, some of 'em turned schoolmasters
after they landed."

Sammy Dawson snickered and it was Rodney's turn to get red in the
face.

"I know one schoolmaster," he said, "who is an honest man and always
was, though thieving must be more fun than trying to teach some o' the
lunkheads who go to his school."

Sammy didn't snicker this time, but his eyes grew big and round.

Angus began to swell with anger. He stepped forward and shook his fist
under Rodney's nose. Then he found his speech. "I've known o' folks,"
he said, "who weren't wanted down in the tide-water country, comin' up
this way an' bein' sent back with their hides tanned;" saying this,
he tried to slap Rodney's face.

In all the house of MacGregor probably there never had been a more
surprised member than was Angus five minutes later, for David Allison
had taught his son other things than were found in books; but he also
had taught that this knowledge was not to be used except rarely, and
when absolutely necessary. Rodney uneasily recalled this part of the
instruction after the fight was over, and he had time to reflect on
his part in bringing it on. Evidently he wasn't doing anything to make
the family popular with their new neighbours, whereas, if he'd kept
his mouth shut instead of interrupting the conversation, all would
have been well.

"Angus, let's shake hands. I didn't mean any offence and said more
than I ought."

Angus took the proffered hand rather reluctantly, and on his face was
a look of suspicion, visible along with a black eye and a bleeding
nose. Then he said: "You don't come to school; got larnin' enough, I
reckon."

"I have to work days, but study what I can nights," was the reply.

"I saw ye workin' with the nigger this mornin'. I 'lowed as how down
in the tide-water country an' in most other places folks as 'sociate
with niggers ain't much thought on. A slave has ter be kept in his
place."

"The work has to be done and there are only Thello and I to do it. He
is not a slave, nor is his wife. Mother granted 'em freedom after
grandfather gave them to her. Father doesn't believe in slavery. But
they would die before they'd leave us."

"I reckon they're niggers jes' the same."

"Yes, and I would trust 'em farther than I would most white folks."

"I got no use fer mixin' with niggers."

"Look here, Angus, I thought you and I shook hands."

"Well, I didn't like ter refuse to