"Do you mean me?" asked Andy, with a wondering face.
"Certainly. You are fresh from school, and I am sure you would be competent to teach me."
"But I am only a boy."
"Age has nothing to do with a teacher's qualifications, except as to discipline. You wouldn't find me a very advanced pupil. I had read one book in Caesar when I was compelled to leave school, and had begun to translate Greek a little. Now the question is, are you willing to teach me?"
"If you think I am competent, Mr. Gale."
"I don't doubt that. We will begin, if you like, next Monday. Perhaps, in order to avoid village gossip, it will be well to pass yourself off as my private secretary. Indeed, I will employ you a little in that way also."
"I shall be very glad to serve you in any way."
"Then come to-morrow morning at nine and remain with me till twelve. Now about the compensation."
"Fix that to suit yourself, Mr. Gale. I am almost ashamed to ask anything."
"The laborer is worthy of his hire, Andy. Suppose I pay you six dollars a week to begin with?"