for
work. A few words, a line or two, were all that could be
managed with safety to life; and the books had to be shut up
again, with bitter mortification that it must be so soon. The
winter passed and Virgil was not read. The spring brought
longer days, and more to do in them.

"Father," said Winthrop one night, "they have got no one yet
in Mr. Dolts' place."

"What, at Mountain Spring? I know they haven't. The foolish
man thought twelve dollars a month wa'n't enough for him, I
suppose."

"Why was he foolish, Mr. Landholm?"

"Because he greatly misstated his own value -- which it isn't
the part of a wise man to do. _I_ know he wasn't worth twelve
dollars."

"Do you think I am worth more than that, sir?"

"I don't know what you're worth," said his father good-
humouredly. "I should be sorry to put a price upon you."

"Why, Winthrop?" -- his mother said more anxiously.

"Will you let me take Mr. Dolts' place, father?"

"His place? What, in the schoolhouse?"

"Yes, sir. If I can get it, I mean."

"What for?"

"The twelve dollars a month would hire a man to do my work on
the farm."

"Yes, and I say, what for? What do you want it for?"

"I think perhaps I might get more time to myself."

"Time? -- for what?"

"Time to study, sir."

"To study! -- Teach others that you may teach yourself, eh?"
said Mr. Landholm, with a breath that was drawn very much like
a sigh; and he was silent and looked grave.

"I am afraid you wouldn't like it, Winthrop," said his mother
seriously.

"I should like the time, mamma."

"I wish I were a little richer," said Mr. Landholm, drawing
his breath, -- "and my sons should have a better chance. I am
willing to work both _my_ hands off -- if that would be of any
avail. You may do as you please, my dear, about the school.
I'll not stand in your way."

"The twelve dollars would pay a man who would do as much work
as I could, father."

"Yes, yes, -- that's all straight enough."

"Is Winthrop going to teach school?" exclaimed Asahel.

"Perhaps so."

"Then I should go to school to Winthrop," said the little boy
clapping his hands, -- "shouldn't I, mamma? Wouldn't it be
funny?"

"I too?" cried Winifred.

"Hush, hush. Hear what your father says."

"I am only sorry you should have to resort to such
expedients."

"Do you think they would take me, father?"

"Take you? yes! If they don't, I'll make them."

"Thank you, sir."

Winthrop presently went with the child