The School-teacher stood before him.
The old man remained holding to the stick, breathing with difficulty. The School-teacher was some distance away, motionless in the path. He had evidently seen the man coming from the schoolhouse door, and had stopped there in the path to observe him.
The School-teacher spoke.
“Have you been to the schoolhouse?” he said.
“Yes,” replied the man, “I've—I've been out to the schoolhouse.”
“To see me?” said the School-teacher. “Well, no,” replied the man, “not exactly to see you.”
“To see the school?”
“Well, no, not exactly to see the school.” Then he added, “I'm the trustee. I've been looking over the schoolhouse. I think I'll be goin' on.”
“Why do you hurry?” said the Schoolteacher.
“I must be gettin' home,” said the old man.