CHAPTER XVIII.
THE CANAL-BOY BECOMES A COLLEGE PRESIDENT.
During his second winter vacation a great temptation assailed James.

It was not a temptation to do wrong.

That he could easily have resisted.
I must explain.
At Prestenkill, a country village six miles from Troy, N.Y., the young student organized a writing school, to help defray his expenses.

Having occasion to visit Troy, his interest in education led him to form an acquaintance with some of the teachers and directors of the public schools.
One of these gentlemen, while walking with him over the sloping sides of a hill overlooking the city, said: "Mr.Garfield, I have a proposition to make to you." The student listened with interest.
"There is a vacancy in one of our public schools.

We want an experienced teacher, and I am sure you will suit us.