“Do you mean me?” asked Andy, with a wondering face.

“Certainly.  You are fresh from school, and I am sure you would be competent to teach me.”

“But I am only a boy.”

“Age has nothing to do with a teacher’s qualifications, except as to discipline.  You wouldn’t find me a very advanced pupil.  I had read one book in Caesar when I was compelled to leave school, and had begun to translate Greek a little.  Now the question is, are you willing to teach me?”

“If you think I am competent, Mr. Gale.”

“I don’t doubt that.  We will begin, if you like, next Monday.  Perhaps, in order to avoid village gossip, it will be well to pass yourself off as my private secretary.  Indeed, I will employ you a little in that way also.”

“I shall be very glad to serve you in any way.”

“Then come to-morrow morning at nine and remain with me till twelve.  Now about the compensation.”

“Fix that to suit yourself, Mr. Gale.  I am almost ashamed to ask anything.”

“The laborer is worthy of his hire, Andy.  Suppose I pay you six dollars a week to begin with?”

“The money will be very acceptable, but I am afraid you will be overpaying me.”

“I will take my risk of that.  On the whole, I will call it nine dollars a week, and we will spend the afternoon together also.  I will send to the city for a boat, and you shall give me lessons in rowing.”

Andy’s eyes sparkled.  Nothing would please him better, and the prospect of earning nine dollars a week made him feel like a millionaire.

CHAPTER VII.

An encounter with A tramp.

It is hardly necessary to say that Andy’s parents were equally surprised and pleased at his new engagement.

“You will like that better than working on the farm, I expect, Andy?” said Sterling Grant.

“Yes, father.  I am willing to work, but I don’t feel much interest in farming.”

“It is hard work and poor pay, Andy, but I like it.  I was brought up to it when a boy, and there is nothing else I can do.”

“Andy is already beginning to get some advantage from his education,” said Mrs. Grant.

Andy reported for duty, and during the first morning made up his mind that he should enjoy his new employment.  Mr. Gale really desired to acquire a knowledge of Latin and Greek, and worked faithfully.

To Andy it was like a review of his own studies, and he experienced a satisfaction in the rapid progress of his pupil.

He felt quite at home with Mr. Gale, though their acquaintance had been so brief.  When twelve o’clock came he was really sorry.

“What time shall I come over this afternoon, Mr. Gale?” he asked.

“At two o’clock.  Can you borrow your friend Valentine’s boat?  I have sent for one, but it may be several days before it arrives.”