As for me, I have but one book besides the school-books I studied, and that I gained as a school prize--The Life of Franklin." "If one has few books he is apt to prize them more," said Ferguson, "and is apt to profit by them more." "Have you read the History of China ?" asked Harry, who had been looking over his friend's books.
"No; I have never seen it." "Why, there it is," said our hero, "In two volumes." "Take it down," said Ferguson, laughing.
Harry did so, and to his surprise it opened in his hands, and revealed a checker-board.
"You see appearances are deceitful.

Can you play checkers ?" "I never tried." "You will easily learn.

Shall I teach you the game ?" "I wish you would." They sat down; and Harry soon became interested in the game, which requires a certain degree of thought and foresight.
"You will make a good player after a while," said his companion.
"You must come in often and play with me." "Thank you, I should like to do so.

It may not be often, for I am taking lessons in French, and I want to get on as fast as possible." "I did not know there was any one in the village who gave lessons in French." "Oh, he's not a professional teacher.

Oscar Vincent, one of the Academy boys, is teaching me.