“Yes, sir; at least I have every reason to think so.”
There was something in this remark which caught John’s attention. Who was the young man referred to, and what connection could his scholarship have with his continuing the study of Latin?
“What are you speaking of?” he inquired of his father.
“Mr. Barclay is thinking of giving up teaching, John, on account of his health. I was speaking of the young man whom he has recommended in his place.”
“Who is it?”
“You remember the young man who was in the stage yesterday?”
“Do you mean the one that wouldn’t give up his seat to me?”
“As he took the seat first, he had the best right to it. He is the one I mean.”
“What! is he a teacher? Why, he is only a boy!”
“He is rather young, but Mr. Barclay tells me he is an excellent scholar, especially in Latin. However, we shall examine him to-morrow evening, and see if he is qualified.”