N

XIII.

AT SCHOOL AGAIN.

EARLY a year more passed. The sermon by Parson Elkins had ceased to be a theme of conversation among the settlers. Abraham had continued to assist his father, and devote his leisure moments to reading and writing. Time that other boys would spend in play he employed in poring over books. If he had no new ones to peruse, he read his old ones.

In the mean time, also, his father married Mrs. Sally Johnston, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky. It was an event of great joy to Abraham, and he gave his step-mother a most cordial welcome. The thought of having the place of his departed mother filled in the family was the source of real pleasure to him. The long period of loneliness that had elapsed since his mother's death served to make him doubly value the presence of one who would fill her place well. He did not receive her as a stranger. He did not cherish the least suspicion that she would prove otherwise than a loving parent. He gave her his confidence at once, and she bestowed upon him such

care and tender regard as only a thoughtful, pious, faithful mother would. A mutual good understanding and affection sprang up between them, and it was never interrupted. Abraham obeyed her with a true filial love, and she still survives to bear witness to his obedience, diligence, and truthfulness. He gave her just the place in his young heart that his own mother occupied, and he was made happy by this honorable course. Nor did he ever have occasion to repent of his acts in this respect, for she proved a worthy successor of her who had rested nearly two years from her labors. We shall know her in future pages only as his mother.

Boys are apt to take advantage of such circumstances, and claim greater liberties with step-mothers than they did with the mothers who bore them. Often they are less affectionate and obedient, and disposed to have their own way, as if a mother-inlaw had less right to control them. But it was not so with Abraham. He received her as a mother, and loved and obeyed her as such. He was not more respectful to his own mother than he was to her.

His new mother saw at once that he was no common boy. She was struck with his intelligence, knowledge, and uprightness. She had never seen his like. Of course she could scarcely help being deeply interested in his welfare.

About this time, among the families that came into that region to settle, was that of Mr. Andrew

Crawford. He was a man of more culture than most of the settlers, and was able to teach reading, writing, and arithmetic as far as the Rule of Three. His abilities becoming known, Mr. Lincoln urged him to open a school in his cabin, and promised to send Abraham, to which the man assented.

"Another chance for you to go to school," said Mr. Lincoln to his son, on returning home.

“That man Crawford, who moved in a little while ago, will begin school in a week.”

“Have you seen him?" inquired Abraham.

"Yes, and he knows a great sight more than Hazel. He can learn you to cipher."

"He can?" and Abraham's reply indicated that he scarcely expected to see a man in that vicinity who could teach arithmetic.

"I can spare you some time now, and it will be a good chance for you to learn to cipher."

"When will he begin school?"

"Next week, no doubt; and two miles will be just far enough for you to walk to keep your legs

limber."

"What shall I do for a book to cipher out of? "

"As to that, I can find one somewhere. I shall go to market before the week is out, and I'll see what I can find among the settlers there or on the way. I must have you study 'rithmetic somehow.”

"A fine opportunity, Abe, for you to improve,"

added his mother, who liked the plan of his going to school. "I think you will like Mr. Crawford. He appears to be a nice man."

"That's so," said his father; "I like Mr. Crawford much, what I've seen of him. It's a real blessin' to have such a man come here to live." "Who else will go to school?" inquired Abraham.

"There'll be as many as he wants. Mr. Turnham's boy will go, and Mr. Neale's girl, no doubt. Most all of the children can be spared now for a while."

"But some of 'em can't go, because they are too poor.'

"That may be; but most on 'em can go if they're a mind to."

Thus the way was opened for Abraham to attend school again, and preparations were made for the event. A new suit of clothes was made for him, as his old suit had become worn and ragged. It was not made of broadcloth or cassimere, as boys' clothes are now, but of "dressed buckskin," a very durable article. What it lacked in beauty was made up in strength. His father found an old arithmetic, and purchased it for him. Also a new cap was made for him out of a raccoon-skin. At that day men and boys wore straw hats in summer and fur caps in winter. Mothers could easily provide their boys with fur caps, since the skins of ani

mals could always be easily obtained. Thus prepared, Abraham went to Mr. Crawford's school.

One Monday morning, as the scholars assembled, and were having a frolic before school-hour, their conversation turned upon a sermon they heard Jeremiah Cash preach on the day before.

"I liked the sermon the best of any I ever heard him preach," said Abraham. It was from the text, "So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea; and the sea ceased from her raging." (Jonah i. 15.)

"He put it on to Jonah," said David Turnham, with a laugh.

"And everybody else who don't do right," answered Abraham. "I can say half of his sermon now."

"You can't," replied David.

"I know I can, and if you don't believe it, I'll try."

"Try, then," added David.

“Get on that stump, and let us have a preach," and he pointed to a large stump a rod distant.

"You think I can't do it," continued Abraham; "but I'll let you know that I can." So he mounted the stump and began the sermon. He gave the text, and proceeded to expound the truth, much to the merriment of the boys. He repeated the several heads correctly, and actually rehearsed a good part of the sermon.