IN A STRANGE LAND. 163

“We have many schools, many pupils, and many
zealous writings and speeches about the subject; but
what I say is still true. The very word schoolmaster
is used by many with a sneer. The cry is for chean
teaching. Parents, of whom you would hope better
things, grudge the pittance they bestow on the teacher,
and almost think it an alms. I have farmers in my
parish who lay out more on a breed of swine or a
thrashing-machine than all they have ever given for
their children’s schooling put together. Half-starved
instructors lose the stimulus of hope and grow weary.”

Carl smiled, but said nothing.

“T honour the instructor of my children,” continued
the pastor, “as much as the doctor who cures my body,
or the lawyer who attends to my estate. But this is
not the common feeling; and the lower down you go
in the scale of intelligence and culture, the more you
find people undervaluing the schoolmaster. But, my -
dear fellow, the night is wearing away, and I must
show you to your chamber. May the blessed morning
find you refreshed for its sacred work!”