When Josh was told of his master’s intention, his eyes gleamed with pleasure, and he went to his work with the zest of long hunger.  He proved a remarkably apt pupil.  He was indefatigable in doing the tasks assigned him.  Even Mr. Leckler, who had great faith in his plasterer’s ability, marveled at the speed which he had acquired the three R’s.  He did not know that on one of his many trips a free negro had given Josh the rudimentary tools of learning, and that since the slave had been adding to his store of learning by poring over signs and every bit of print that he could spell out.  Neither was Josh so indiscreet as to intimate to his benefactor that he had been anticipated in his good intentions.

It was in this way, working and learning, that a year passed away, and Mr. Leckler thought that his object had been accomplished.  He could safely trust Josh to protect his own interests, and so he thought that it was quite time that his servant’s education should cease.

“You know, Josh,” he said, “I have already gone against my principles and against the law for your sake, and of course a man can’t stretch his conscience too far, even to help another who’s being cheated; but I reckon you can take care of yourself now.”

“Oh, yes, suh, I reckon I kin,” said Josh.

“And it wouldn’t do for you to be seen with any books about you now.”

“Oh, no, suh, su’t’n’y not.”  He didn’t intend to be seen with any books about him.

It was just now that Mr. Leckler saw the good results of all he had done, and his heart was full of a great joy, for Eckley had been building some additions to his house, and sent for Josh to do the plastering for him.  The owner admonished his slave, took him over a few examples to freshen his memory, and sent him forth with glee.  When the job was done, there was a discrepancy of two dollars in what Mr. Eckley offered for it and the price which accrued from Josh’s measurements.  To the employer’s surprise, the black man went over the figures with him and convinced him of the incorrectness of the payment,—­and the additional two dollars were turned over.

“Some o’ Leckler’s work,” said Eckley, “teaching a nigger to cipher!  Close-fisted old reprobate,—­I’ve a mind to have the law on him.”  Mr. Leckler heard the story with great glee.  “I laid for him that time—­the old fox.”  But to Mrs. Leckler he said:  “You see, my dear wife, my rashness in teaching Josh to figure for himself is vindicated.  See what he has saved for himself.”

“What did he save?” asked the little woman indiscreetly.

Her husband blushed and stammered for a moment, and then replied, “Well, of course, it was only twenty cents saved to him, but to a man buying his freedom every cent counts; and after all, it is not the amount, Mrs. Leckler, it’s the principle of the thing.”

“Yes,” said the lady meekly.

II