And none of these things would have been his, in all likelihood, but for his early struggle with poverty.
So far as I know, neither of his companions was any better off than James.

All three were young adventurers traveling into the domains of science with hopeful hearts and fresh courage, not altogether ignorant of the hardships that awaited them, but prepared to work hard for the prizes of knowledge.
Arrived at Geauga Seminary, they called upon the principal and announced for what purpose they had come.
"Well, young men, I hope you mean to work ?" he said.
"Yes, sir," answered James promptly.

"I am poor, and I want to get an education as quick as I can." "I like your sentiments, and I will help you as far as I can." The boys succeeded in hiring a room in an old unpainted building near the academy for a small weekly sum.

It was unfurnished, but they succeeded in borrowing a few dilapidated chairs from a neighbor who did not require them, and some straw ticks, which they spread upon the floor for sleeping purposes.

In one corner they stowe their frying-pans, kettles, and dishes, and then they set up housekeeping in humble style.
The Geauga Seminary was a Freewill Baptist institution, and was attended by a considerable number of students, to whom it did not, indeed, furnish what is called "the higher education," but it was a considerable advance upon any school that James had hitherto attended.