"Why, I don't believe the professor himself could!" exclaimed Gray, in incredulous astonishment.
"Nor I, either," laughed Ishmael; "but I know that I can."
"But, my boy, it is such a task!"
"I should like it, of all things, Uncle Reuben! You could not give me a greater treat than the privilege of overhauling all those books and putting them in order and making the catalogue," said the youth eagerly.
And besides he was going to Claudia's house!
Reuben looked more and more astonished as Ishmael went on; but Hannah spoke up:
"You may believe him, Reuben! He is book-mad; and it is my opinion, that when he gets into that musty old library, among the dusty books, he will fancy himself in heaven."
Reuben looked from the serious face of Hannah to the smiling eyes of Ishmael, and inquired doubtfully:
"Is that the truth, my boy?"
"Something very near it, Uncle Reuben," answered Ishmael.