“Quanquam, Sir; that’s Latin, is’nt it: I don’t understand Latin.”
Thomas recollected that this was the first word in Tully’s Offices; and he wondered how the gentleman should happen to ask him the meaning of that word.
“No,” said the gentleman, “I dare say you do not understand Latin. But,” said he, “as you have learned something about Geometry, would’nt you be pleased to learn Latin also?”
“Aye, Sir, I should like to learn Latin well enough: but my Father can’t teach me that: besides, he says, ’tis of no use to us tinners.”
After a little more conversation, the gentleman asked Thomas if his Father did not live very near the farm house to which he had just inquired the way. Thomas replied, that his Father’s cottage was only a stone’s throw on this side the farm: the gentleman then spurred his horse, and rode off.
Thomas went on his way to the mine, greatly wondering what business the gentleman could have with his Father: and especially how he should happen to ask him about the word Quanquam.
When his work was done, he ran home: “Well, Thomas;” said his Father and Mother, both speaking at once, when he opened the door;—“Well, who do you think the gentleman was that overtook you on the road?—Why, to be sure, Dr. Knowles, that keeps the school where the captain’s son goes. He has been here, talking a long while about you. He says, that he overheard John Dawson, (ah, the little varment), making great fun among the boys, with reading something what you had written; and so he inquired all about it: and made Master John tell him all he knew about you; and about what you have learned, and how you tried to learn Latin: and he says, too, he has known several poor lads, like you, Thomas, that were so fond of learning, get on and on; and go to college.”
“College!” said Thomas, who stood with his mouth and eyes wide open; “Where is college, Father: I don’t remember that place in the map?”
“Never mind that now, Thomas,” replied his Father: “I was going to say, Dr. Knowles says its a pity you should not have an education: and he says, that if we can any ways contrive to fit you out, and find you clothes, he will give you your board and learning for nothing.”
Thomas was more pleased than we can easily describe, by this good news. He continued, however, for several weeks to follow his employment at the mine, till the necessary preparations for his going to school could be made: during this time his good fortune was talked about: and one of the proprietors of the mine hearing of the affair, and having received a very good character of him from the captain, promised to allow him a small sum yearly, while he should be at school. All difficulties being thus removed, Thomas took leave of his companions at the mine, and left his Father’s cottage to go to Dr. Knowles’s academy. On his way, however, he did not forget to call on his old acquaintance, Mr. Moth; to whom he related what had occurred, and paid the last three-pence that was due for Tully’s Offices.