Another of his instructors kept a small store, and from him the boy bought a handkerchief on which was printed the Constitution just adopted, and, as he read everything and remembered much, he read that famous instrument to which he was destined to give so much of his time and thought.

When Mr.Webster said that he read better than any of his masters, he was probably right.

The power of expression and of speech and readiness in reply were his greatest natural gifts, and, however much improved by cultivation, were born in him.

His talents were known in the neighborhood, and the passing teamsters, while they watered their horses, delighted to get "Webster's boy," with his delicate look and great dark eyes, to come out beneath the shade of the trees and read the Bible to them with all the force of his childish eloquence.

He describes his own existence at that time with perfect accuracy.