He assumed no control over me; he merely did what he would with his own, and, so far from fettering my liberty, he exhorted me to use it for my own benefit, and to make provision for myself.
I now reflected that there were other manual occupations besides that of the plough.

Among these none had fewer disadvantages than that of carpenter or cabinet-maker.

I had no knowledge of this art; but neither custom, nor law, nor the impenetrableness of the mystery, required me to serve a seven years' apprenticeship to it.

A master in this trade might possibly be persuaded to take me under his tuition; two or three years would suffice to give me the requisite skill.

Meanwhile my father would, perhaps, consent to bear the cost of my maintenance.