“Our regular preparatory course of study cannot be improved, I think,” continued the principal. “You can pursue higher studies here, and enter college in advance if you choose. But that can be determined hereafter. At present, you can go on with the branches undertaken, and time will indicate improvement and changes necessary.”

“It will be necessary for me to labour some out of school hours, in order to pay all my bills,” added James.

“Then I would like to be earning something more to help me through college.”

“What do you propose to do?”

“I can work on a farm, or in a carpenter’s shop, or do odd jobs at most anything that offers. I have already seen the carpenter here.”

“Well, what prospect for work?”

“After a few days he will have work for me, mostly planing; and that I have done more than anything in the carpenter’s line.”

“You are fortunate to find work at once.”

“I never have failed to find work since I have been dependent upon my own exertions.”

“I hope you always will find work, that you may realize the accomplishment of your object. I shall do everything in my power to assist you, and do it with all my heart.”

“Thank you,” responded James, grateful for the deep interest the principal appeared to manifest in his welfare.

He secured quarters in a room with four other students; rather thick for the highest comfort, but “necessity multiplies bedfellows.” Here he set about his literary work with a zeal and devotion that attracted attention. The office of bell-ringer obliged him to rise very early; for the first bell was rung at five o’clock. The office of sweeper compelled him to be on the alert at an early hour, also. Promptness was the leading requirement of the youth who rang the bell. It must be rung on the mark. A single minute too early, or too late, spoiled the promptness. On the mark precisely, was the rule. Nor was it any cross to James. Promptness, as we have seen, was one of his born qualities. It was all the same to him whether he arose at four or five o’clock in the morning, or whether he must ring the bell three or a dozen times a day. He adapted himself to circumstances with perfect ease. Instead of bending to circumstances, circumstances bent to him. He made a good bell-ringer and sweeper, simply because it was a rule with him to do everything well. One of his roommates said to him:

“Jim, I don’t see but you sweep just as well as you recite.”

“Why shouldn’t I?” James responded promptly.

“Many people do important things best,” replied his schoolmate; “and a lesson is more important than sweeping.”

“You are heretical,” exclaimed James. “If your views upon other matters are not sounder than that, you will not make a very safe leader. Sweeping, in its place, is just as important as a lesson in Greek is, in its place, and, therefore, according to your own rule, should be done as well.”

“You are right, Jim; I yield my heresy, like the honest boy that I am.”

“I think that the boy who would not sweep well would not study well,” continued James. “There may be exceptions to the rule; but the rule is a correct one.”