“Didn't I ever go to school! Where do you reckon I got my education, anyhow? I went to school several times in my young days.”
“On a Sunday, like this?”
“No, the school I tackled was on a week-day.”
“Was it hard?” asked Hannibal, who was beginning to cherish secret misgivings; for surely all this soap and water must have some sinister portent.
“Well, some learn easier than others. I learned middling easy—it didn't take me long—and when I felt I knowed enough I just naturally quit and went on about my business.”
“But what did you learn?” insisted the boy.
“You-all wouldn't know if I told you, because you-all ain't ever been to school yo'self. When you've had yo' education we'll talk over what I learned—it mostly come out of a book.” He hoped his general statement would satisfy Hannibal, but it failed to do so.
“What's a book. Uncle Bob?” he demanded.
“Well, whatever a body don't know naturally he gets out of a book. I reckon the way you twist, Nevvy, mebby you'd admire fo' to lose an ear!” and Mr. Yancy refused further to discuss the knowledge he had garnered in his youth.
Hannibal and Yancy were the first to arrive at the deserted cabin in the old field that afternoon. They found the place had been recently cleaned and swept, while about the wall was ranged a row of benches; there was also a table and two chairs. Yancy inspected the premises with the eye of mature experience.