Book 3: Chapter 5 Summary

Tom goes to visit his Uncle Deane the following morning and vows that he will find a way to buy the mill and land back. His uncle tells him that his education will not do him any good. Tom says he wants to do what Mr. Deane has done, start at the bottom and work his way up. Mr. Deane says he needs to know something about bookkeeping and reminds him that he is only sixteen and has had no preparation to earn his living at anything. He doesn't promise that he will do anything for him, but he doesn't tell him that he won't. Tom is disappointed that his uncle has no confidence in him.

He tells Maggie about the interview, and she wishes she could teach him bookkeeping, that doesn't help his spirits at all. He complains that she...