An' I ain't see as they've ever been too long--leastways, I never see as the scholars ever learned too much in 'em.

They ain't no longer than a man has to work in the field, and the work's easier." Gordon looked at the old man keenly.

It was his first battle, and it had come on at once, as his father had warned him.

The struggle was bitter, if brief, but he conquered--conquered himself.

The old countryman's face had hardened.
"If you want to give satisfaction you'd better try to learn them scholars an' not the trustees," he said dryly.