could do it, and relieve father."

He began to think over all the possible ways of earning money, but
there was nothing in particular to do in the town except to work
for the farmers, and there was very little money to earn ill that
way. Money is a scarce commodity with farmers everywhere. Most
of their income is in the shape of farm produce, and used in the
family. Only a small surplus is converted into money, and a dollar,
therefore, seems more to them than to a mechanic, whose substantial
income is perhaps less. This is the reason, probably, why farmers
are generally loath to spend money. Harry knew that if he should
hire out to a farmer for the six months the utmost he could expect
would be a dollar a week, and it was not certain he could earn
that. Besides, he would probably be worth as much to his father
as anyone, and his labor in neither case provide money to pay for
the cow. Obviously that would not answer. He must think of some
other way, but at present none seemed open. He sensibly deferred
thinking till after the examination.

"Are you going to the school examination, father?" asked our hero.

"I can't spare time, Harry. I should like to, for I want to know
how far you have progressed. 'Live and learn,' my boy. That's a good
motto, though Squire Green thinks that 'Live and earn' is a better."

"That's the rule he acts on," said Mrs. Walton. "He isn't troubled
with learning."

"No, he isn't as good a scholar probably as Tom, here."