"Yes; I was expecting to go to college in a few months." "I believe your father is a farmer?" "Yes." "Do you expect to assist him on the farm?" "Till I can get something to do. I shall try to get some business situation. Business pays better than farming." "I suppose you are a good Latin and Greek scholar?" "Yes; that is, I like the languages, and stood high in my classes." "My own education is limited. Though I am rich now, I was a poor boy. At sixteen I had made some progress in Latin and commenced Greek, when my father's failure obliged me to seek employment. The uncle who has now made me rich would do nothing for me; so I left school half educated." "You would be able to make up deficiencies now," suggested Andy. "That is what I have been thinking of, if I can get a satisfactory teacher." "I don't think you can find a classical teacher in Arden." "I know of one, if he would be willing to undertake the task." "Who is it?" asked Andy, puzzled. "Andrew Grant," answered this young man, with a smile. "Do you mean me?" asked Andy, with a wondering face. "Certainly. You are fresh from school, and I am sure you would be competent to teach me." "But I am only a boy." "Age has nothing to do with a teacher's qualifications, except as to discipline. You wouldn't find me a very advanced pupil. I had read one book in _Caesar_ when I was compelled to leave school, and had begun to translate Greek a little. Now the question is, are you willing to teach me?" "If you think I am competent, Mr. Gale." "I don't doubt that. We will begin, if you like, next Monday. Perhaps, in order to avoid village gossip, it will be well to pass yourself off as my private secretary. Indeed, I will employ you a little in that way also." "I shall be very glad to serve you in any way." "Then come to-morrow morning at nine and remain with me till twelve. Now about the compensation." "Fix that to suit yourself, Mr. Gale. I am almost ashamed to ask anything." "The laborer is worthy of his hire, Andy. Suppose I pay you six dollars a week to begin with?" "The money will be very acceptable, but I am afraid you will be overpaying me." "I will take my risk of that. On the whole, I will call it nine dollars a week, and we will spend the afternoon together also. I will send to the city for a boat, and you shall give me lessons in rowing." Andy's eyes sparkled. Nothing would please him better, and the prospect of earning nine dollars a week made him feel like a millionaire. CHAPTER VII. AN ENCOUNTER WITH A TRAMP. It is hardly necessary to say that Andy's parents were equally surprised and pleased at his new engagement. "You will like that better than working on the farm, I expect, Andy?" said Sterling Grant. "Yes, father. I am willing to work, but I don't feel much interest in farming." "It is hard work and poor pay, Andy, but I like it. I was brought up to it when a boy, and there is nothing else I can do."