The creek was more in earnest and working harder at pushing steadily ahead without ever stopping than anything else; and like the poetry piece again, it really did "seem to smile upon us as it quickly passed us by." I had to quit playing, and go to work some time; it made me sorry to think how behind I was, because I had not started two years before, when I should. But that couldn't be helped now. All there was left was to go this time, for sure. I got up heavily and slowly as an old person, and then slipped out and ran down the path to the meadow, because I could hear Leon whistle as he came to bring the cows. By fast running I could start them home for him: Rose, Brindle, Bess, and Pidy, Sukey and Muley; they had eaten all day, but they still snatched bites as they went toward the gate. I wanted to surprise Leon and I did. "Getting good, ain't you?" he asked. "What do you want?" "Nothing!" I said. "I just heard you coming and I thought I'd help you." "Where were you?" "Playing." "You don't look as if you'd been having much fun." "I don't expect ever to have any, after I begin school." "Oh!" said Leon. "It is kind of tough the first day or two, but you'll soon get over it. You should have behaved yourself, and gone when they started you two years ago." "Think I don't know it?" Leon stopped and looked at me sharply. "I'll help you nights, if you want me to," he offered. "Can I ever learn?" I asked, almost ready to cry. "Of course you can," said Leon. "You're smart as the others, I suppose. The sevens and nines of the multiplication table are the stickers, but you ought to do them if other girls can. You needn't feel bad because you are behind a little to start on; you are just that much better prepared to work, and you can soon overtake them. You know a lot none of the rest of us do, and some day it will come your turn to show off. Cheer up, you'll be all right." Men are such a comfort. I pressed closer for more. "Do you suppose I will?" I asked. "Of course," said Leon. "Any minute the woods, or birds, or flowers are mentioned your time will come; and all of us will hear you read and help nights. I'd just as soon as not." That was the most surprising thing. He never offered to help me before. He never acted as if he cared what became of me. Maybe it was because Laddie always had taken such good care of me, Leon had no chance. He seemed willing enough now. I looked at him closely. "You'll find out I'll learn things if I try," I boasted. "And you will find out I don't tell secrets either." "I've been waiting for you to pipe up about----" "Well, I haven't piped, have I?" "Not yet." "I am not going to either." "I almost believe you. A girl you could trust would be a funny thing to see." "Tell me what you know about Laddie, and see if I'm funny." "You'd telltale sure as life!" "Well, if you know it, he knows it anyway." "He doesn't know WHAT I know."