“Oh, no; we are too good friends to mind such a trifle.”

“Then,” said Tom, impulsively, “you won’t have no more trouble with me.  I’ll help you all I can.”

There was general surprise felt when the young teacher and his rebellious scholar were seen approaching the school-house, evidently on the most friendly terms.  There was still greater surprise when, during the forenoon, James requested Tom to hear the class already mentioned.  At recess Tom proclaimed his intention to lick any boy that was impudent to the teacher, and the new Garfield administration seemed to be established on a firm basis.

This incident, which is based upon an actual resort to war measures on the part of the young teacher, is given to illustrate the strength as well as the amiability of Garfield’s character.  It was absolutely necessary that he should show his ability to govern.

CHAPTER XIII.

AMES LEAVES GEAUGA SEMINARY

While teaching his first school James “boarded round” among the families who sent pupils to his school.  It was not so pleasant as having a permanent home, but it afforded him opportunities of reaching and influencing his scholars which otherwise he could not have enjoyed.  With his cheerful temperament and genial manners, he could hardly fail to be an acquisition to any family with whom he found a home.  He was ready enough to join in making the evenings pass pleasantly, and doubtless he had ways of giving instruction indirectly, and inspiring a love of learning similar to that which he himself possessed.

He returned to school with a small sum of money in his pocket, which was of essential service to him in his economical way of living.  But he brought also an experience in imparting knowledge to others which was still greater value.

An eminent teacher has said that we never fully know anything till we have tried to impart it to others.

James remained at the Geauga Seminary for three years.  Every winter he taught school, and with success.  In one of these winter sessions, we are told by Rev. William M. Thayer, in his biography of Garfield, that he was applied to by an ambitious student to instruct him in geometry.  There was one difficulty in the way, and that a formidable one.  He was entirely unacquainted with geometry himself.  But, he reflected, here is an excellent opportunity for me to acquire a new branch of knowledge.  Accordingly he procured a text-book, studied it faithfully at night, keeping sufficiently far ahead of his pupil to qualify him to be his guide and instructor, and the pupil never dreamed that his teacher, like himself, was traversing unfamiliar ground.