Now, he knew not what to think, or what to do. He began to fear that he must give up the thought of learning Latin. He resolved, however, once more to ask a little assistance from John Dawson, who was not yet returned to school. Thomas thought it very likely that John would only laugh at him; but his desire to learn was so great, that he was willing even to have his mistakes exposed to ridicule, if he could, in any way, gain knowledge. The next time an opportunity occurred he showed what he had written to John Dawson; requesting him to tell him if it was done right: but this idle boy, after he had looked at the paper a minute, burst out into a great fit of laughing. Thomas then endeavoured to take the paper out of his hand; but he thrust it into his pocket; and ran off, saying, it would make fine sport for the boys at school.
A few weeks after this occurrence, as Thomas was returning, in the evening, to the mine, he was overtaken on the road by a gentleman on horseback, who wore a white wig, and looked like a clergyman: he stopped his horse, and enquired the way to a farm house in the neighbourhood. Thomas pointed to the house in the distance, and described the road to it, saying, “After you pass the bridge, Sir, there is a horse-path across the heath, that runs at a right-angle with the road:—this leads directly up to the house.”
“A right-angle!” said the gentleman; “and pray what do you know about right-angles?”
Thomas was a little confused by the question; but modestly replied that his Father had taught him a little Geometry in spare hours.
“Indeed,” said the gentleman, “and what is your Father’s name:—he is a tinner, I suppose?”
“Yes, Sir: my Father works here, at huel[1] Tolgoth: his name is Trewellan.”
[1] Pronounced wheel.
“Trewellan, hey:—and what is your name?”
“Thomas, Sir.”
“Thomas Trewellan:—now, Thomas, can you tell me what is the meaning of the word Quanquam?”