"Indeed, sir, I don't want it. The professor is very freehearted and pays me well for my work."
"The professor? What professor, my boy? I thought I had the honor to be the only professor in the neighborhood," said the gentleman, smiling.
"I mean Professor Jim Morris, sir," replied Ishmael, in perfect good faith.
"Oh! yes, exactly; I have heard of that ingenious and useful individual, who seems to have served his time at all trades, and taken degrees in all arts and sciences; but I did not know he was called a professor. So you are a student in his college!" smiled Mr. Middleton.
"I help him, sir, and he pays me," answered the boy.
"And what is your name, my good little fellow?"
"Ishmael Worth, sir."
"Oh, yes, exactly; you are the son of the little weaver up on Hut Hill, just across the valley from Brudenell Heights?"
"I am her nephew, sir."
"Are your parents living?"