Pete Elder says that a boy who don't know A B C, can learn a trade just as
well as one who does."

"I don't know any thing about that," replied William Brown; "but father
says, the more learning I get when a boy, the more successful in life will
I be when a man; that is, if I make a good use of my learning."

"What good is grammar going to do a mechanic, I wonder?" said Richard,
contemptuously. "What use will the double rule of three, or fractions, be
to him?"

"They may be of a great deal of use. Father says we cannot learn too much
while we are boys. He says he never learned any thing in his life that did
not come of use to him at some time or other."

"Grammar, and geography, and double rule of three, will never be of any use
to me."

"Oh, yes, they will, Dick! So come along. The bell is nearly done ringing.
Come, won't you?"

"No; I'm going out to the woods,"

"Come, Richard, come! That will be playing truant."

"No; I've made my mind up not to go to school to-day."

"You'll be sorry for it, Dick, if you do stay away from school."

"Why will I?" said the boy, quickly. "Are you going to tell?"