186 SHADOWS IN THE PICTURE.

laugh at the suggestion. They even attempt to put it
into practice. Is it not like opening an hospital with-
out medicine? or sowing fields with everything except
grain? You may be sure neither Barry nor I would
come into any such schools as these. The principal
thing which a child needs to learn, and that which he
must learn now or never, shall always have a chief place
in all instructions of mine. But hold! I catch myself
talking large, and remember that I am only an usher,
and not, a president (as Mary Smith prophesies I shall
be) ; yet am I ever and ever your loving, loving brother,
CARL.”