The San Mateo item. (San Mateo City, Putnam County, Fla) 189?-19??, 1909-09-11

n
Is his first year and he kind OF feels
his Importance. guess.
"Jen isn't much account in most
responsibilities long. OF his father
old Cap'n Daggett. and IS Just a.
much under the old mans thumb as
ne was before he was enc and TWEEN.
ty But he's got learning, and they
do say that you have to pass an aw.
ful tough examination before Jeh
VIII give you a certificate. don't
mind telling you that you're the fourth
chap that's been after the school. and
I said to 'em all that I'd hire 'em n
they could set a certificate, and I
haven't seen nary one of 'em since.
But maybe youll have better luck.
seeing as you've been 20 Walnut Hin
Academy. You can go right up and
see Jeff this afternoon, and II you get
your certificate, I'll hire you straight
of. You might as well come back
this way anyhow. and let me know
how you come out"
Nathan murmured his thanks for
this conditional engagement, but as
he shook the farmers hand he felt
by no IHans sure that he should
look upon his honest face again.
After a walk OF a mile or SO, Ma.
than had no difficulty in finding the
white house, with the tail tree in the
front yard. that had been described
to him, or in finding the supervisor
OF schools. who was In the barn,
with his father, engaged in huskIng
corn.
Mr.. Daggett was an understood
man, with stopping shoulders and a
very short chm. At first glance he
appeared almost insignificant, espe.
clally in comparison with his father
who was tall and erect, with bristling
gray hair and deep-set eyes, that look.
ed out almost iercely from under
shaggy brows.
But when the little man had learn
ed the reason for Nathan's call. his
eyes frightened, and he Strengthened
up into an attitude OF dignity BETTING
his Office.
Very we'll" he said, rising from
the milking-stool on which he had
been sitting, IF you will step into
the house | will proceed to examine
you"
But here the old captain interposed,
In a tone Of command that fairly
startled the visitor.
"You don't need to go into the
house. You can just as we'll stay
right where you are and keep on with
your husking while you're putting the
young Teller through his PAGES Get |
him another stool, and let him sit
Town, and then fire away with your
questions. He can take some shingles .
,ut Of that bunch by the door 10 do
his figurin' on. I'm tired of being
eft TO work alone while you are In
he house taking your time examin.
NJ"
loyed, but he finally acquiesced in
his program. Nathan, on his part,
vas rather pleased with this turn OF
he affair. II seemed to him that
N examination conducted in a barn
nd without books or paper could
lot be very formidable matter.
But In this he was mistaken. Super.
isor Daggett needed no book. He P
new his Weld and Quackenbos's
Grammar from cover to cover. fine
rint and all; and not only was he
amiliar with all the knotty prob
ems I'm Greenlears National Arith.
letic. but, as ne often boosted, he
ould make up sums right out OF his
cad.
For nearly two hours the inquIsl'
on lasted, and through II all poor
latham was conscious thai he was
airing badly. He know that there
ere plenty OF questions that he
ould answer, but somehow these
~.