"Then I shall answer your question. In my home study, I have indeed followed the approved curriculum by making use of the approved textbooks in their proper order. I am aware of the fact that this is not the same State, but if you will consult the record of my earlier years in attendance at a school selected by my legal guardian, you'll find that I passed from preschool grade to Fourth Grade in a matter of less than half a year, at the age of five-approaching-six. If this matter is subject to question, I'll submit to any course of extensive examination your educators care to prepare. The law regarding compulsory education in this state says that the minor child must attend school until either the age of eighteen, or until he has completed the standard eight years of grammar school and four years of high school. I shall then stipulate that the suggested examination be limited to the schooling of a high school graduate." "For the moment we'll pass this over. We may ask that you do prove your contention," said Manison. "You don't doubt that I can, do you?" asked James. Manison shook his head. "No, at this moment I have no doubt." "Then why do you bother asking?" "I am here for a rather odd reason," said Manison. "I've told you the reservations that the State holds, which justify my presence. Now, it is patently obvious that you are a very competent young man, James Holden. The matter of making your own way is difficult, as many adults can testify. To have contrived a means of covering up your youth, in addition to living a full and competent life, demonstrates an ability above and beyond the average. Now, the State is naturally interested in anything that smacks of acceleration of the educational period. Can you understand that?" "Naturally. None but a dolt would avoid education." "Then you agree with our interest?" "I--" "Just a moment, James," said Waterman. "Let's put it that you understand their interest, but that you do not necessarily agree." "I understand," said James. "Then you must also understand that this 'course of study' by which you claim the equal of a high-school education at the age of ten or eleven (perhaps earlier) must be of high importance." "I understand that it might," agreed James. "Then will you explain why you have kept this a secret?" "Because--" "Just a moment," said Waterman again. "James, would you say that your method of educating yourself is completely perfected?" "Not completely." "Not perfected?" asked Manison. "Yet you claim to have the education of a high-school graduate?"