Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/82

68 "No, yet I think I might learn. But I am going to the academy to get an education," went on Dave, soberly.

"Of course—we all go for that, and let me tell you right now that I don't believe in shirking my studies. But I love football and baseball, too, and also rowing."

"I like baseball, although I never got much chance to play. You see, I'm from a farm."

"A farm? You don't look much like a—a farmer's boy," and the senator's son gazed at Dave critically.

"I lived on a farm for years, but now I live with Mr. Oliver Wadsworth, who owns the jewelry works at Crumville."

"Oh, yes, I've heard father speak of him. What class do you expect to enter—or don't you know."

"I hope to get in the next to the graduating class."

"That's the very one I am in." The senator's son gazed at Dave again. "Do you think you can make it? I hope you can. But let me tell you, Dr. Clay is very particular. He shows no favors to anybody."

"I don't expect any favors. I have been studying hard. You see, I used to live with an elderly man who was once a college professor, and he gave me lessons every day, winter and summer.