Then his mother proposed a practical plan.

“You have been obliged to spend all your money,” she said, “but your brother Thomas and I will be able to raise seventeen dollars for you to start to school on, and when that is gone perhaps you will be able to get along on your own resources.”

CHAPTER VII.

THE CHOICE OF A VOCATION

James Garfield’s experience on the canal was over.  The position was such an humble one that it did not seem likely to be of any service in the larger career which one day was to open before him.  But years afterward, when as a brigadier-general of volunteers he made an expedition into Eastern Kentucky, he realized advantage from his four months’ experience on the canal.  His command had run short of provisions, and a boat had been sent for supplies, but the river beside which the men were encamped had risen so high that the boat dared not attempt to go up the river.  Then General Garfield, calling to his aid the skill with which he had guided the Evening Star at the age of fifteen, took command of the craft, stood at the wheel forty-four hours out of the forty-eight, and brought the supplies to his men at a time when they were eating their last crackers.

“Seek all knowledge, however trifling,” says an eminent author, “and there will come a time when you can make use of it.”

James may never have read this remark, but he was continually acting upon it, and the spare moments which others devoted to recreation he used in adding to his stock of general knowledge.

The last chapter closes with Mrs. Garfield’s advice to James to give up his plan of going to sea, and to commence and carry forward a course of education which should qualify him for a college professor, or a professional career.  Her words made some impression upon his mind, but it is not always easy to displace cherished dreams.  While she was talking, a knock was heard at the door and Mrs. Garfield, leaving her place at her son’s bedside, rose and opened it.

“I am glad to see you, Mr. Bates,” she said with a welcoming smile.

Samuel D. Bates was the teacher of the school near by, an earnest young man, of exemplary habits, who was looking to the ministry as his chosen vocation.

“And how is James to-day?” asked the teacher, glancing toward the bed.

“So well that he is already beginning to make plans for the future,” answered his mother.

“What are your plans, James?” asked the young man.

“I should like best to go to sea,” said James, “but mother doesn’t approve of it.”

“She is wise,” said Bates, promptly.  “You would find it a great disappointment.”

“But, it must be delightful to skim over the waters, and visit countries far away,” said the boy, his cheeks flushing, and his eyes glowing with enthusiasm.

“You think so now; but remember, you would be a poor, ignorant sailor, and would have to stay by the ship instead of exploring the wonderful cities at which the ship touched.  Of course, you would have an occasional run on shore, but you could not shake off the degrading associations with which your life on shipboard would surround you.”