"He's only a boy like us."
"That's so."
"He knows enough for a teacher; but knowing isn't everything."
"You're right. We can't be expected to mind a boy like ourselves that we've known all our lives."
"Of course not."
"I like Jim well enough. He's a tip-top feller; but, all the same, he aint goin' to boss me round."
"Nor me, either."
This conversation between Tom Bassett and Bill Stackpole (for obvious reasons I use assumed names) augured ill for the success of the young teacher. They determined to make it hot for him, and have all the fun they wanted.
They thought they knew James Garfield, but they made a mistake. They knew that he was of a peaceable disposition and not fond of quarreling, and although they also knew that he was strong and athletic, they decided that he would not long be able to maintain his position. If they had been able to read the doubts and fears that agitated the mind of their future preceptor, they would have felt confirmed in their belief.
The fact was, James shrank from the ordeal that awaited him.