With patient care Father Byrne taught the older negroes their catechism; they, in turn, were told to teach their children. This was also a duty which he imposed upon the masters of slaves. To encourage the young blacks Father Byrne gave little pictures to those who had learned their prayers the best. It was on such occasions that Aunt Margaret endeavored to show the mental prowess of Wash.
"De Lawd bless dis nigger," she said one day, "if dat Gawge Wasenton Elexander Hamilton Howard ain't got his skull as brim full of brains as ole massar's corn-crib is full ob corn."
"How long did it take him to learn 'Our Father,'" inquired the priest, much amused at the old negress' talk.
"Dat our foddar," continued Aunt Margaret. "Why, bless my soul! I gave him the first susposishin (explanation) of dat dar prayer last Christmas, and dat little nigger he knowed it in less dan t'ree shakes of a sheep's tail."
"How many days?"
"No days, nuffin'. Bless him little soul, if de chile didn't larn dat our foddar in six mon's after I gave him the first susposishuns."
"Call him," said the priest, "and let us see whether he has learned his lesson well."
Washington came, and, standing before the priest with his hat on his head, began to recite the prayer.
"What I tole you do?" exclaimed his preceptress.
Off came the hat.