“How old is Austin now?”
“He is eighteen.”
“Is he ready for college?”
“Yes, he could enter at the next commencement but for the financial problem.”
“I never had any taste for college, or study, as you know, Mr. Canfield. It is different with my friend Rodney, who is a Latin and Greek scholar.”
The minister regarded Rodney with new interest.
“Do you think of going to college, Mr. Ropes?” he asked.
“Not at present. I am going back to Montana with Mr. Pettigrew. Perhaps he and I will both go to college next year.”
“Excuse me,” said Jefferson Pettigrew. “Latin and Greek ain’t in my line. I should make a good deal better miner than minister.”
“It is not desirable that all should become ministers or go to college,” said Mr. Canfield. “I suspect from what I know of you, Jefferson, that you judge yourself correctly. How long shall you stay in Burton?”