From Farm Boy to Senator

mother one evening as the boy sat thoughtful

something to read

arce, and private collections equally scarce, especially in small countr

tracted the atten

aid, "about establishing a small circulating library which w

ll, father," s

can make a beginning. Besides we ca

It was a small and, many of my boy friends would think, an unattractive collection. But in the collection was the "Spectator," in reading which Daniel unconsciou

rtainly a pity, for apart from its literary merits it contains a great deal of sensible advice as to the conduct of life. As it is not of so much importance how much we read as

in order to ascertain which was correct Dan got out of bed, went down stairs, and groped his way to the kitchen, where he lighted a candle and went in search of the almanac. He found it, and on referring to it ascertained that Ezekiel was right. His eagerness made him careless, and an unlucky spa

er, Mr. Thomas W. Thompson, came to Da

e and receive callers in his absence. Though boys do not generally take kindly to confinement, the office contained one attr

e a selection unusual for a boy. There was an old Latin grammar, which the young lawyer had probably used himself in his preparatory course. This book Daniel selected, and began to study by himself. His employer offered

the father of his young employee, "Dan will

he boy has

as. He ought to

ster shoo

y clear. I am a poor man, as you know, and it would cost a great dea

ed. But Judge Webster did not forget the conversation. He was considering what could be done towards giving his promis

on the way, even if he were obliged to st

aring boys for our best colleges, and has always maintained a high standard of scholarship. Thither Judge Webster determined to take Daniel, an

vening, "you must be

, fa

e was to be set a

ke a journey," answ

the boy in surprise.

ou to Exeter, to put

gled perhaps with a little apprehension, for he did not kn

a pause, for he knew well his father's circums

o improve your time, so that I ma

we to go,

orseb

ot, as was a frequent custom at that time. It would have been hard upon any horse, for the jud

front of the farmhouse stood two horses, one belonging

or me?" asked Da

, my

f a side-saddle?

of a lady who is to return here. I agreed to take char

with it. It will look strange for

ride on it pr

nted on a lady's horse. When in his later life he had occasion to refer to this journey, Mr. Webs

sending Daniel to college, after he should have completed a course of preparation at Exeter, but upon this part of his plan he did not think it best yet

tmost the advantages I am securing for you. You must remember how mu

I will do th

inks you can mak

try, f

aniel, but I hope to give you an educa

en the brilliant future in store for the boy of fourteen who was