He knew he would have to report them, but, not being sure of who they
were, I presume he wished to give them the benefit of the doubt. At
any rate, I never heard any more about it. One of the three asked me
the next day if my father had recognised them, and I told him what
had occurred.

By this time I had become old enough to have a room to myself, and,
to encourage me in being useful and practical, my father made me attend
to it, just as the cadets had to do with their quarters in barracks
and in camp. He at first even went through the form of inspecting it,
to see if I had performed my duty properly, and I think I enjoyed this
until the novelty wore off. However, I was kept at it, becoming in
time very proficient, and the knowledge so acquired has been of great
use to me all through life.

My father always encouraged me in every healthy outdoor exercise and
sport. He taught me to ride, constantly giving me minute instructions,
with the reasons for them. He gave me my first sled, and sometimes
used to come out where we boys were coasting to look on. He gave me
my first pair of skates, and placed me in the care of a trustworthy
person, inquiring regularly how I progressed. It was the same with
swimming, which he was very anxious I should learn in a proper manner.
Professor Bailey had a son about my age, now himself a professor at
Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, who became my great chum.
I took my first lesson in the water with him, under the direction and
supervision of his father. My father inquired constantly how I was
getting along, and made me describe exactly my method and stroke,
explaining to me what he considered the best way to swim, and the
reasons therefor.