"Jurisprudence--the science of human justice; the knowledge of the laws, customs, and rights of man in communities; the study above all others most necessary to the due administration of justice in human affairs, and even in divine, and second only to that of theology," replied Ishmael, with grave enthusiasm. "But--you don't mean to say that you intend to become a lawyer?" exclaimed the judge, in a state of astonishment that bordered on consternation. "Yes, sir; I intend to be a lawyer, if it please the Lord to bless my earnest efforts," replied the youth reverently. "Why--I am a lawyer!" exclaimed the judge. "I am aware that you are a very distinguished one, sir, having risen to the bench of the Supreme Court of your native State," replied the youth respectfully. The judge remained in a sort of panic of astonishment. The thought in his mind was this: What--you? you, the nephew of my overseer, have you the astounding impudence, the madness, to think that you can enter a profession of which I am a member? Ishmael saw that thought reflected in his countenance and smiled to himself. "But--how do you propose ever to become a lawyer?" inquired the judge, aloud. "By reading law," answered Ishmael simply. "What! upon your own responsibility?" "Upon my own responsibility for a while. I shall try afterwards to enter the office of some lawyer. I shall use every faculty, try every means and improve every opportunity that Heaven grants me for this end. And thus I hope to succeed," said Ishmael gravely. "Are you aware," inquired the judge, with a little sarcasm in his tone, "that some knowledge of the classics is absolutely necessary to the success of a lawyer?" "I am aware that a knowledge of the classics is very desirable in each and all of what are termed the 'learned professions'; but I did not know, and I do not think, that it can be absolutely necessary in every grade of each of these; but if so, it is well for me that I have a fair knowledge of Latin and Greek," replied Ishmael. "What did you say?" inquired the judge, with ever-increasing wonder. Ishmael blushed at the perception that while he only meant to state a fact, he might be suspected of making a boast. "Did you say that you knew anything of Latin and Greek?" inquired the judge, in amazement. "Something of both, sir," replied Ishmael modestly. "But surely you never picked up a smattering of the classics while sweeping out Middleton's family schoolroom!" "Oh, no, sir!" laughed Ishmael. "Where then?" Ishmael's reply was lost in the bustling entrance of Doctor Jarvis, whom Judge Merlin arose to receive. The doctor examined the condition of his patient, found him with an accession of fever, prescribed a complete repose for the remainder of the day, left some medicine with directions for its administration, and departed. The judge accompanied the doctor to the door. "That is a rather remarkable boy," observed Judge Merlin, as they went out together.