He had become self-reliant, and felt that what he had done at Chester he could do at Hiram.
So one fine morning he set out, with a light heart and a pocket equally light, for the infant institution from which he hoped so much.
The Board of Trustees were in session, as we learn from the account given by one of their number, when James arrived and sought an audience.
After a little delay, the doorkeeper was instructed to bring him in.
James was nineteen at this time.

He was no longer as homespun in appearance as when he sat upon a log with Dr.Robinson, in the seclusion of the woods, and asked his advice about a career.

Nevertheless, he was still awkward.

He had grown rapidly, was of slender build, and had no advantages of dress to recommend him.

One who saw him in after-life, with his noble, imposing presence, would hardly recognize any similarity between him and the raw country youth who stood awkwardly before the Board of Trustees, to plead his cause.