From Canal Boy to President | Page 9

complained that he was not well enough attired for a canal-boy.
It will occur to my young reader that, though the work was rather
monotonous, there was not much difficulty or danger connected with it.
But even the guidance of a canal-boat has its perplexities, and James
was not long in his new position before he realized it.
It often happened that a canal-boat going up encountered another going
down, and vice versa. Then care has to be exercised by the respective
drivers lest their lines get entangled.
All had been going on smoothly till James saw another boat coming. It
might have been his inexperience, or it might have been the
carelessness of the other driver, but at any rate the lines got entangled.
Meanwhile the boat, under the impetus that had been given it, kept on
its way until it was even with the horses, and seemed likely to tow them
along.
"Whip up your team, Jim, or your line will ketch on the bridge!" called
out the steersman.
The bridge was built over a waste-way which occurred just ahead, and
it was necessary for James to drive over it.
The caution was heeded, but too late. James whipped up his mules, but
when he had reached the middle of the bridge the rope tightened, and
before the young driver fairly understood what awaited him, he and his
team were jerked into the canal. Of course he was thrown off the
animal he was riding, and found himself struggling in the water side by

side with the astonished mules. The situation was a ludicrous one, but it
was also attended with some danger. Even if he did not drown, and the
canal was probably deep enough for that, he stood in some danger of
being kicked by the terrified mules.
The boy, however, preserved his presence of mind, and managed, with
help, to get out himself and to get his team out.
Then Captain Letcher asked him, jocosely, "What were you doing in
the canal, Jim?"
"I was just taking my morning bath," answered the boy, in the same
vein.
"You'll do," said the captain, struck by the boy's coolness.
Six hours passed, and James' "trick" was over. He and his mules were
both relieved from duty. Both were allowed to come on board the boat
and rest for a like period, while the other driver took his place on the
tow-path.
"Well, Jim, how do you like it as far as you've got?" asked the captain.
"I like it," answered the boy.
"Shall you be ready to take another bath to-morrow morning?" asked
his cousin, slyly.
"I think one bath a week will be sufficient," was the answer.
Feeling a natural interest in his young cousin, Amos Letcher thought he
would examine him a little, to see how far his education had advanced.
Respecting his own ability as an examiner he had little doubt, for he
had filled the proud position of teacher in Steuben County, Indiana, for
three successive winters.
"I suppose you have been to school more or less, Jim?" he said.
"Oh, yes," answered the boy.

"What have you studied?"
James enumerated the ordinary school branches. They were not many,
for his acquirements were not extensive; but he had worked well, and
was pretty well grounded as far as he had gone.
CHAPTER V.
AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION.
"I've taught school myself," said Captain Letcher, complacently. "I
taught for three winters in Indiana."
James, who, even then, had a high opinion of learning, regarded the
canal-boat captain with increased respect.
"I didn't know that," he answered, duly impressed.
"Yes, I've had experience as a teacher. Now, if you don't mind, I'll ask
you a few questions, and find out how much you know. We've got
plenty of time, for it's a long way to Pancake Lock."
[Illustration: CONFERENCE WITH DR. ROBINSON]
"Don't ask me too hard questions," said the boy. "I'll answer the best I
know."
Upon this Captain Letcher, taking a little time to think, began to
question his young cousin in the different branches he had enumerated.
The questions were not very hard, for the good captain, though he had
taught school in Indiana, was not a profound scholar.
James answered every question promptly and accurately, to the
increasing surprise of his employer.
The latter paused.
"Haven't you any more questions?" asked James.

"No, I don't think of any."
"Then may I ask you some?"
"Yes, if you want to," answered the captain, rather surprised.
"Very well," said James. "A man went to a shoemaker and bought a
pair of boots, for which he was to pay five dollars. He offered a
fifty-dollar bill, which the shoemaker sent out and had changed. He
paid his customer forty-five dollars in change, and the latter walked off
with