"In that case he has an uncommon aversion to school."
"Sir, put it to him, whether he would like to go to school."
"What's the use, when I know he'd rather be hung?"
"But, pray, give him the choice, sir," respectfully persisted the professor.
"What a solemn, impertinent jackanapes you are, to be sure, Morris! But I will 'put it to him,' as you call it! Here, you young fire-eater, come here to me."
The boy, who had modestly withdrawn into the background, now came forward.
"Stand up before me; hold up your Head; look me in the face! Now, then, answer me truly, and don't be afraid. Would you like to go to school, eh?"
Ishmael did not speak, but the moonlight radiance of his pale beaming face answered for him.
"Have you no tongue, eh?" bluffly demanded the old sailor.
"If you please, sir, I should like to go to school more than anything in the world, if I was rich enough to pay for it."