Jack was no fool, and somehow or another, the discipline he had received from his father had given him some intimation of what was to come.

All this put together induced Jack to condescend to answer, with his forefinger between his teeth, "Johnny." "And what is your other name, sir ?" Jack, who appeared to repent his condescension, did not at first answer, but he looked again in Mr Bonnycastle's face, and then round the room: there was no one to help him, and he could not help himself, so he replied "Easy." "Do you know why you are sent to school ?" "Scalding father." "No; you are sent to learn to read and write." "But I won't read and write," replied Jack, sulkily.
"Yes, you will; and you are going to read your letters now directly." Jack made no answer.

Mr Bonnycastle opened a sort of bookcase, and displayed to John's astonished view a series of canes, ranged up and down like billiard cues, and continued, "Do you know what those are for ?" Jack eyed them wistfully; he had some faint idea that he was sure to be better acquainted with them, but he made no answer.
"They are to teach little boys to read and write, and now I am going to teach you.

You'll soon learn.

Look now here," continued Mr Bonnycastle, opening a book with large type, and taking a capital at the head of a chapter, about half an inch long.