_Nevertheless_ it makes one happier to have prospects, if they are far away.

I used to; but they never came to nothing, unless it was to bring me way out here." The log school-house was a curious place.

The children's benches consisted of split logs on pegs, without backs.

The sides of the building were logs and sods, and the roof was constructed of logs and pine boughs.

All of the children were barefooted, and several had but poor and scanty clothing.
Yet the very simplicity of the place had a charm.
Benjamin sat alone, apart from the rest.