"It looks very comfortable, Dick," he said.
"The bed aint very large," said Dick; "but I guess we can
get along."
"Oh, yes," said Fosdick, cheerfully. "I don't take up much room."
"Then that's all right. There's two chairs, you see, one for you
and one for me. In case the mayor comes in to spend the evenin'
socially, he can sit on the bed."
The boys seated themselves, and five minutes later, under the
guidance of his young tutor, Dick had commenced his studies.
CHAPTER XVI
THE FIRST LESSON
Fortunately for Dick, his young tutor was well qualified to instruct
him. Henry Fosdick, though only twelve years old, knew as much as
many boys of fourteen. He had always been studious and ambitious
to excel. His father, being a printer, employed in an office where
books were printed, often brought home new books in sheets, which
Henry was always glad to read. Mr. Fosdick had been, besides, a
subscriber to the Mechanics' Apprentices' Library, which contains
many thousands of well-selected and instructive books. Thus Henry
had acquired an amount of general information, unusual in a boy of
his age. Perhaps he had devoted too much time to study, for he was
not naturally robust. All this, however, fitted him admirably for
the office to which Dick had appointed him,--that of his private
instructor.
The two boys drew up their chairs to the rickety table, and spread
out the paper before them.
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