book. I reckon the way you twist, Nevvy, mebby you'd admire fo'
to lose an ear!" and Mr. Yancy refused further to discuss the
knowledge he had garnered in his youth.

Hannibal and Yancy were the first to arrive at the deserted cabin
in the old field that afternoon. They found the place had been
recently cleaned and swept, while about the wall was ranged a row
of benches; there was also a table and two chairs. Yancy
inspected the premises with the eye of mature experience.

"Yes, it surely is a school; any one with an education would know
that. Just look!--ain't you glad yo' Uncle Bob slicked you up
some, now you see what them ladies has done fo' to make this
place tidy?"

Shy children from the pine woods, big brothers with little
sisters and big sisters with little brothers, drifted out of the
encircling forest. Coincident with the arrival of the last of
these stragglers Mrs. Ferris and Miss Malroy appeared, attended
by a colored groom.

"It was so good of you to come, Mr. Yancy! The children won't
feel so shy with you here," said Mrs. Ferris warmly, as Yancy
assisted her to dismount, an act of courtesy that called for his
finest courage.

Mrs. Ferris' missionary spirit manifested itself agreeably enough
on the whole. When she had ranged her flock in a solemn-faced
row on the benches, she began by explaining why Sunday was set
apart for a day of rest, touching but lightly on its deeper