observers shy. Those who cared to observe him closely, however,
discovered that it was not diffidence, but indifference toward others
that characterized his manner. In the most impressible period of his
life he had received instruction, advice and discipline in abundance,
but love and sympathy had been denied. Unconsciously his heart had
become chilled, benumbed and overshadowed by his intellect. The actual
world gave him little and seemed to promise less, and, as a result not
at all unnatural, he became something of a recluse and bookworm even
before he had left behind him the years of boyhood.

Both comrades and teachers eventually learned that the retiring and
solitary youth was not to be trifled with. He looked his instructor
steadily in the eye when he recited, and while his manner was
respectful, it was never deferential, nor could he be induced to yield
a point, when believing himself in the right, to mere arbitrary
assertion; and sometimes he brought confusion to his teacher by
quoting in support of his own view some unimpeachable authority.

At the beginning of each school term there were usually rough fellows
who thought the quiet boy could be made the subject of practical jokes
and petty annoyances without much danger of retaliation. Graham would
usually remain patient up to a certain point, and then, in dismay and
astonishment, the offender would suddenly find himself receiving a
punishment which he seemed powerless to resist. Blows would fall like
hail, or if the combatants closed in the struggle, the aggressor
appeared to find in Graham's slight form sinew and fury only. It
seemed as if the lad's spirit broke forth in such a flame of
indignation that no one could withstand him. It was also remembered
that while he was not noted for prowess on the playground, few could
surpass him in the gymnasium, and that he took long solitary rambles.