"Your education, I take it, has been neglected."
"I don't know much—I didn't have a chance to learn."
"Can you read?"
"When the words ain't too long."
"And write?"
"Not much."
"Then I advise you to take what leisure time you have to remedy the defects in your education."
"I'd like to, sir. I was ashamed of knowing so little when I was at Mr. Benton's."
"A good feeling, my boy. The more you know the better chance you stand to get on in the world. I am giving you a low place in my employment. If you want to be promoted, you must qualify yourself for it."
"I'll do it, sir," said our hero, manfully. "That's good advice, and I'll foller it."