knowing so much of his early history,
would be likely to hold both his scholarship and his character somewhat
lightly. He found, however, that this acquaintance was really his best
recommendation.

His manly, straightforward character had an attraction for them; his
skill and strength as an athlete, and his known courage, ensured him
the respect even of the most turbulent among his scholars. The lads
felt that their master was a boy who was making his way in life; they
knew that he was no mere bookworm, but one of themselves, only stronger
and abler.

His shrewd native wit saved him from many a mistake. He was prudent
and firm, ready and resourceful, and his sharp tongue was a weapon they
feared even more than his heavy hand. His wildest scholars admired
him; while his sympathy with those pupils who, like himself, possessed
no advantages save such as could be gained by their own hands, endeared
him to the more thoughtful.

Thus, when his first season as a teacher was ended, he returned home
with the reputation of one of the most successful common schoolmasters
in the country.

CHAPTER XIII.

FINDING FRIENDS.

The Young Janitor at Hiram Institute--Personal Appearance at this
time--Teaching and Preaching--The Tailor of Troy--The Beginning of the
Civil War.

James Garfield attended the Geauga Seminary three years in succession.
During his second and third vacations he acted as master in some of the
log-schools in his native county.

Then, at the age of twenty, he went from teaching school to sweeping
the college floor at Hiram Institute. Here, besides gaining a
considerable step in his education, Garfield began to exercise his
gifts as a speaker. The debating society of his college found in him
its most fluent disputant, and the college became immensely proud of
the promising youth, whose reputation as a ready and effective speaker
was spreading far and wide.

In two ways he found outlet and exercise for the more generous
instincts of his nature--in preaching the Gospel and in denouncing
slavery. Even as early as this, the great struggle that was fated to
bathe his nation in blood and fire was looming near, and the nobler
among the young men of the country were unconsciously preparing to play
their great parts in the awful civil war.

On entering Hiram Institute, Garfield was too poor to pay the ordinary
fees. He had applied, therefore, for the post of janitor, and his
duties were to sweep t