When did
you say Mr. Swaney aims to start his school?"
"Right after harvest," said Abe before his stepmother had a chance to
answer.
Tom ignored him and went on talking to his wife. "Now, mind you, Sairy,
I ain't saying Abe needs any more eddication. I ain't saying it is
fitting a son should know more'n his pa. But if you think the young ones
should go to this new school for a spell, I won't say no."
He rose and stalked out of the cabin. Then he came back and stuck his
head in at the door.
"Mind you, Abe, you forget to do your chores just one time, and that
schoolmaster won't be seeing you again."
"Come back in and sit down, Tom," said Sarah. "Supper is nearly ready.
Besides, Abe has something that needs saying."
Abe looked at his stepmother in surprise. Then he looked at his father.
"I'm much obliged, Pa," he said.
11
[Illustration]
After a few weeks at Master Swaney's school, Abe had to stop and go to
work again. When he was seventeen, he had a chance to attend another
school kept by Azel Dorsey. Nearly every Friday afternoon there were
special exercises and the scholars spoke pieces.
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