"He's only simple," replied Barker.
"What does he know? He's going to school next week, and I'll bet he can't tell you what he wants for books."
"I'll ask him," said Barker. "Come here, Tommy, won't you?"
Tommy approached him without any hesitation, and showed none of that fear which he exhibited when spoken to by his stepfather.
"How much money do you want for school books, Tom?" asked Barker.
"None at all," replied Tommy.
"Why not?"
"I don't like skule," said Tommy, with his hands behind his back.
"But you've got to go, and what will it cost?"
"About four dollars, sir."