When I explained my plan to the young men, I noticed that they did not seem to take to it very kindly.

It was hard for them to see the connection between clearing land and an education.

Besides, many of them had been school-teachers, and they questioned whether or not clearing land would be in keeping with their dignity.

In order to relieve them from any embarrassment, each afternoon after school I took my axe and led the way to the woods.

When they saw that I was not afraid or ashamed to work, they began to assist with more enthusiasm.