It was a very irregular system of study, but the boy, without knowing it, was browsing in those pastures that remain ever fresh and green.

There was nothing that related to science in any form.
"I know no more of science, sir, than an Indian," the General used to say.

"The only sciences I ever thought I knew were politics and war, and I have failed in both." He knew very little of the world--at least, of the modern world.

Once, at table, Gordon was wishing that they had money.
"My son," said his father, quietly, "there are some things that gentlemen never discuss at table.

Money is one of them." Such were his old-fashioned views.
It was fortunate for his son, then, that there came to the neighborhood about this time a small engineering party, sent down by Mr.Wickersham to make a preliminary survey for a railroad line up into the Ridge country above General Keith's home.