CHAPTER IV
LITTLE CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
Jack’s life in school was much more endurable now that he had a friend in Bob Holliday. Bob had spent his time in hard work and in rough surroundings, but he had a gentleman’s soul, although his manners and speech were rude. More and more Jack found himself drawn to him. Harvey Collins asked Jack to walk down to the river-bank with him at recess. Both Harvey and Bob soon liked Jack, who found himself no longer lonely. The girls also sought his advice about their lessons, and the younger boys were inclined to come over to his side.
As winter came on, country boys, anxious to learn something about “reading, writing, and ciphering,” came into the school. Each of these new-comers had to go through a certain amount of teasing from Riley and of bullying from Pewee.
One frosty morning in December there appeared among the new scholars a strange little fellow, with a large head, long straight hair, an emaciated body, and legs that looked like reeds, they were so slender. His clothes were worn and patched, and he had the look of having been frost-bitten. He could not have been more than ten years old, to judge by his size, but there was a look of premature oldness in his face.
“Come here!” said the master, when he caught sight of him. “What is your name?” And Mr. Ball took out his book to register the new-comer, with much the same relish that the Giant Despair showed when he had bagged a fresh pilgrim.
“Columbus Risdale.” The new-comer spoke in a shrill, piping voice, as strange as his weird face and withered body.
“Is that your full name?” asked the master.