One shot struck the house, but did not injure it much.' "'You use very good language,' I could not help saying.
"'Yes, sir; I have had more advantages than most of--of my class.' These last words he spoke rather bitterly.

'When I was a young man my master amused himself with teaching me; but he found I learned so fast that he stopped short.

But I carried it on by myself.' "'Didn't you find that difficult ?' "'Yes, sir; but my will was strong.

I managed to get books, now one way, now another.

I have read considerable, sir.' "This he said with some pride.
"'Have you ever read Shakespeare ?' "'In part, sir; but I never could get hold of "Hamlet." I have always wanted to read that play.' "I drew him out, and was astonished at the extent of his information, and the intelligent judgment which he expressed.
"'I wonder that, with your acquirements, you should have been content to remain in a state of slavery.' "'Content!' he repeated bitterly.