Day after day while on long hikes through the forests and along the river’s banks, Jim Curwood would try valiantly to explain to his chum, Skinny, the urge and desire that was burning constantly in his heart. Unfortunately enough, Skinny Hill could not see things in quite the same light as Jim did and consequently he raised argument after argument. At times when he would grow tired of hearing Jim talk about a writing career he would very nearly lose his temper.
Fortunately, Jim Curwood had the ambition and the determination to be a writer and no one on the face of God’s green earth could stop him. The youngster actually prayed for the opportunity to go to great schools. He prayed for the one chance, the lone chance, of really becoming a “somebody.”
“I knew with God beside me that my goal could not be too far off. Hard work, and hard work alone, with confidence in the Great Arbiter, are the keys to success.”
From that time on Jim Curwood did all in his power in order that he might pave his own way to success.
Valiantly he fought the odds that were stacked against him, determined to make the grade and come through with flying colors. However, at times he would lose all hope. Then for a moment, he would stop and think about defeat and what it would mean. The next moment would find him back at work, his determination multiplied a hundred times over. It seems miraculous that such a young lad of Jim Curwood’s age could not be kept down in his battle for success at the one thing in life he wanted.
As days developed into weeks and weeks into months, it dawned more and more on the boy that unless he went away somewhere to study, it would be a hopeless task to try to be a “somebody.” It is quite plain that his mind was much more developed than his age revealed.
Like manna from heaven, his sister Amy, from Michigan, came down to visit the family a few days later. Jim thanked his lucky stars, for he realized only too well that his sister not only could help him, but would be most glad to. His young and adventurous mind began working rapidly from the very first day that Amy arrived on the farm. He felt that with Amy’s influence it might be possible for him to go away to school. For several days and nights he thought the situation over before he put the question to his sister. He lay awake at nights thinking up various situations by which he could induce Amy to take him away with her. This was his one big chance and he knew that he must not miss it.
A few days after her arrival he called her to one side and spoke to her about his plans and his dreams. From the very beginning, Amy used a great deal of tact in handling the situation.
“Amy ... Amy, will you do me a favor?” he asked.
“What is it you want me to do, Jimmy?”