"Because I have no books but our old Hebrew folios, and if I had they would be taken from me."
"Continue to study the books you have," said Philip, "you will find much to learn from them."
"But there are so many things to know that are not in our books. How I should like to be as wise as you are."
Philip smiled, sorrowfully.
"I know very little," he answered. "I am not regarded as a particularly well-educated person in my country. What good would learning do you in Kief?"
"It would make me happy," answered the boy.
"No, child; it would make you miserable by filling your little head with ideas which would bring down upon you the anathemas of your dearest friends."
There was a pause, during which Mendel worked industriously. Suddenly he said:
"Might I ask a favor, sir?"
"Certainly, my boy; I shall be happy if I can grant it."