everlasting fortun', he has done himself a great deal of credit and made
some very powerful friends. And that I tell you! You wait and see!" said
the professor, as he left the hut, followed by Ishmael.

The morning was clear and bright after the rain. As they emerged into
the open air Ishmael naturally raised his eyes and threw a glance across
the valley to Brudenell Heights. The main building was standing intact,
though darkened; and a smoke, small in volume but dense black in hue,
was rising from the ruins of the burnt wing.

Ishmael had only time to observe this before they descended the narrow
path that led through the wooded valley. They walked on in perfect
silence until the professor, noticing the unusual taciturnity of his
companion, said:

"What is the matter with you, young Ishmael? You haven't opened your
mouth since we left the hut."

"Oh, professor, I am thinking of Aunt Hannah. It is awful to hear her
rail about the great heroes as she does. It is flat blasphemy," replied
the boy solemnly.

"Hum, ha, well, but you see, young Ishmael, though I wouldn't like to
say one word to dampen your enthusiasm for great heroism, yet the truth
is the truth; and that compels me to say that you do fall down and
worship these same said heroes a little too superstitiously. Why, law,
my boy, there wasn't one of them, at twelve years of age, had any more
courage or wisdom than you have--even if as much."

"Oh, professor, don't say that--don't! it is almost as bad as anything
Aunt Hannah says of them. Don't go to compare their great boyhood with
mine. History tells what they were, and I know myself what I am."

"I doubt if you do, young Ishmael."

"Yes! for I know that I haven't even so much as the courage that you
think I have; for, do you know, professor, when I was in that burning
house I was frightened when I saw the red smoke rolling into the passage
and heard the fire roaring so near me? And once--I am ashamed to own it,
but I will, because I know George Washington always owned his faults
when he was a boy--once, I say, I was tempted to run away and leave the
boys to their fate."

"But you didn't do it, my lad. And you were not the less courageous
because you knew the danger that you freely met. You are brave, Ishmael,
and as good and wise as you are brave."

"Oh, professor, I know you believe so, else you wouldn't say it; but I
cannot help thinking that if I really were good I shouldn't vex Aunt
Hannah as