But I think the workers should study some, and the students should know how to work if necessary," answered Mrs.Jo, looking from Dan to Demi with a significant expression.
"I'm sure I do work," and Demi showed three small hard spots in his little palm, with pride.
"And I'm sure I study," added Dan, nodding with a groan toward the blackboard full of neat figures.
"See what James did.

He did not mean to be selfish, but his mother was proud of him, and let him do as he liked, working by herself that he might have books and time to read them.

One autumn James wanted to go to school, and went to the minister to see if he would help him, about decent clothes and books.

Now the minister had heard the gossip about James's idleness, and was not inclined to do much for him, thinking that a boy who neglected his mother, and let her slave for him, was not likely to do very well even at school.

But the good man felt more interested when he found how earnest James was, and being rather an odd man, he made this proposal to the boy, to try now sincere he was.
"'I will give you clothes and books on one condition, James.' "'What is that, sir ?' and the boy brightened up at once.
"'You are to keep your mother's wood-box full all winter long, and do it yourself.