No one could guess this now. Not even the boy himself. He did not know
that he was any richer in heart or brain than other boys of his age. No,
most probably, by analogy, he thought himself in this respect as well as
in all others, poorer than his neighbors. He covered his book carefully,
and studied it perseveringly; studied it not only while it was a
novelty, but after he had grown familiar with its incidents.
I have dwelt so long upon this subject because the possession of this
book at this time had a signal effect in forming Ishmael Worth's
character and directing the current of the boy's whole future life. It
was one of the first media of his inspiration. Its heroes, its warriors,
and its statesmen were his idols, his models, and his exemplars. By
studying them he became himself high-toned, chivalrous, and devoted.
Through the whole autumn he worked hard all day, upheld with the
prospect of returning home at night to--his poor hut and his silent
aunt?--oh, no, but to the grand stage upon which the Revolutionary
struggle was exhibited and to the company of its heroes--Washington,
Putnam, Marion, Jefferson, Hancock, and Henry! He saw no more for some
time of his friends at Brudenell Hall. He knew that Mr. Middleton had a
first-class school at his house, and he envied the privileged young
gentlemen who had the happiness to attend it: little knowing how
unenviable a privilege the said young gentlemen considered that
attendance and how a small portion of happiness they derived from it.
The winter set in early and severely. Hannah took a violent cold and was
confined to her bed with inflammatory rheumatism. For many weeks she was
unable to do a stroke of work. During this time of trial Ishmael worked
for both--rising very early in the morning to get the frugal breakfast
and set the house in order before going out to his daily occupation of
"jobbing" with the professor--and coming home late at night to get the
supper and to split the wood and to bring the water for the next day's
supply. Thus, as long as his work lasted, he was the provider as well as
the nurse of his poor aunt.
But at last there came one of the heaviest falls of snow ever known in
that region. It lay upon the ground for many weeks, quite blocking up
the roads, interrupting travel, and of course putting a stop to the
professor's jobbing and to Ishmael's income. Provisions were soon
exhausted, and there was no way of getting more. Hannah and Ishmael
suffered hunger. Ishmael bore this with great fortitude. Hannah also
bore it patiently as long as the tea lasted. But when that woman's
consolation failed she broke down and complained bitterly.