“If I knew positively that you were right in your estimate of me, Mr. Bates, I would go in for a course of study.”

“Consult some one in whose judgment you have confidence, James,” said the teacher, promptly.

“Can you suggest any one?” asked the boy.

“Yes, Dr. J.P.  Robinson, of Bedford, is visiting at the house of President Hayden, of Hiram College.  You have heard of him?”

“Yes.”

“He is a man of ripe judgment, and you can rely implicitly on what he says.”

“As soon as I am well enough I will do as you advise,” said James.

“Then I am satisfied.  I am sure the doctor will confirm my advice.”

“Mr. Bates,” said Mrs. Garfield, as she followed out the young teacher, “I am much indebted to you for your advice to James.  It is in accordance with my wishes.  If he should decide to obtain an education, where would you advise him to go?”

“To the seminary where I have obtained all the education I possess,” answered the young man.

“Where is it?”

“It is called the ‘Geauga Seminary,’ and is located in Chester, in the next county.  For a time it will be sufficient to meet all James’ needs.  When he is further advanced he can go to Hiram College.”

“Is it expensive?” asked Mrs. Garfield.  “James has no money except the few dollars his brother and I can spare him.”

“He will have plenty of company.  Most of the students are poor, but there are chances of finding work in the neighborhood, and so earning a little money.  James knows something of the carpenter’s trade?”

“Yes, he helped build the house we live in, and he has been employed on several barns.”

My readers will remember that the Garfields no longer lived in the humble log-cabin in which we first found them.  The money Thomas brought home from Michigan, supplemented by the labor of James and himself, had replaced it by a neat frame house, which was much more comfortable and sightly.

“That will do.  I think I know a man who will give him employment.”

“He is a boy of energy.  If he gets fairly started at school, I think he will maintain himself there,” said Mrs. Garfield.

The teacher took his leave.

When Mrs. Garfield re-entered the room she found James looking very thoughtful.

“Mother,” he said, abruptly, “I want to get well as quick as I can.  I am sixteen years old, and it is time I decided what to do with myself.”

“You will think of what Mr. Bates has said, will you not?”

“Yes, mother; as soon as I am well enough I will call on Dr. Robinson and ask his candid opinion.  I will be guided by what he says.”

CHAPTER VIII.

GEAUGA SEMINARY.

I have stated in a previous chapter that James became acquainted with Dr. Robinson while still employed on the canal.  This statement was made on the authority of Mr. Philo Chamberlain, of Cleveland, who was part proprietor of the line of canal-boats on which the boy was employed.  Edmund Kirke, however, conveys the impression that James was a stranger to the doctor at the time he called upon him after his sickness.  Mr. Kirke’s information having been derived chiefly from General Garfield himself, I shall adopt his version, as confirmed by Dr. Robinson.