ctability. By close
industry and economy she kept me at school from the age of six to
thirteen, and would willingly have allowed me to remain longer, as she
considered my education of the first importance, but during the last
year I remained at school (although only a child of twelve years) I grew
discontented and unhappy, by seeing my mother toiling daily that I might
remain at school. And many a night did I lay awake for hours, revolving
the question in my mind of how I could assist my mother, for I felt
that, young as I was, it was time for me to do something for my own
support. Had circumstances allowed, I would gladly have remained at
school, for I was fond of study; but I believe I inherited a portion
of my mother's energetic disposition, and I felt it my duty to leave
school, and seek some employment whereby I might support myself, and
possibly assist, in a small way, my mother and little sister. My mother
was reluctant to yield her consent that I should leave school, but when
she saw how much my mind was _set_ on it, and knowing the motives which
influenced me, she finally gave her consent, and leaving school I began
looking about me for employment. My mother's wish, as well as my own
was that I should, if possible, obtain some situation in the village
where I could still board at home, but, as is usually the case, no one
needed a boy at that time. After spending several days in search of
work, without success, I became disheartened. My mother advised me to
return to my books, and think no more about it; but I was unwilling that
my first attempt toward taking care of myself should prove an entire
failure.

CHAPTER III.

A few miles from the village of Elmwood lived Mr. Judson, a rich farmer,
he might properly be termed rich in this world's goods, for, besides the
broad acres which comprised the two farms in one where he resided, he
was the owner of several houses in the village, which brought him a
handsome annual income. The chief aim of his life appeared to be the
acquisition of money, and, when once it came into his possession, it was
guarded with miserly care. The very countenance and manner of the Farmer
bespoke his nature. Aided by memory, I see him now as I saw him years
ago:--he was of medium height, strong and muscular, but thin in flesh.
His hair had once been black, but was then sprinkled thickly with gray;
he had small piercing, restless black eyes that seemed to look several
ways at once.