In ability, all acknowledged that he was the peer of any; soon his superiority to all others was generally conceded." So James entered upon his duties as janitor and bell-ringer.

It was a humble position for the future President of the United States; but no work is humiliating which is undertaken with a right aim and a useful object.

Of one thing my boy-reader may be sure--the duties of the offices were satisfactorily performed.

The school-rooms were well cared for, and the bell was rung punctually.

This is shown by the fact that, after the two weeks of probation, he was still continued in office, though doubtless in the large number of students of limited means in the institute there was more than one that would have been glad to relieve him of his office.
It will hardly be supposed, however, that the position of janitor and bell-ringer could pay all his expenses.