"Yes, it is," Joe answered grumbly. "I don't see no sense to it."
"Let me show you. Suppose"—And he went through with the well—remembered explanation. It was successful, Joe understood it, and went on briskly with the figures.
Edward turned towards Mr. Burrows. "It was the way my father explained it to me," he said, with eyes that glistened a little.
Some one brought Mr. Burrows a note, and, as he read and laid it down, he said, "Now, Edward, if you had continued at school instead of running away from us, I should get you to hear this recitation in algebra, and take leave of absence for a few minutes. There is a friend in town whom I would give much to see before the next train leaves."
"Suppose you set me at it as it is."
Mr. Burrows looked surprised.
"Have you been studying algebra, Edward?"
"Somewhat."
"How far have you been?"
"Through."