night, Jackson had to explain to me who God was, but as it was only
the commencement of several conversations on the subject, I shall not
at present trouble the reader with what passed between us. Jackson
appeared to be very melancholy after the conversation we had had on
religious matters, and was frequently agitated and muttering to
himself.




Chapter VII


I did not on the following day ask him to resume his narrative
relative to my father and mother, as I perceived that he avoided it,
and I already had so far changed as to have consideration for his
feelings. Another point had now taken possession of my mind, which
was, whether it were possible to learn to read those books which I
had found in the chest, and this was the first question that I put to
Jackson when we arose on that morning.

"How is it possible?" replied he. "Am I not blind--how can I teach
you?"

"Is there no way?" replied I, mournfully.

"Let me think.--Yes, perhaps there is a way--at all events we will
try. You know which book I told you was the Prayer-book?"

"Oh yes! the small, thin one."