Book 1, The Family, Chapter 10 Summary

Later in the winter, Scott McGregor gives St. Peter a ride home. On the way, McGregor speaks to St. Peter about Tom Outland, which causes St. Peter to think about the day that he first met Tom.

Tom approached St. Peter on a Saturday morning, carrying only a grey canvas telescope, a hat, and a coat. He tells St. Peter that he wants to go to school at Hamilton, and is seeking St. Peter's advice. Though Tom hasn't been to high school, he can read Latin well, and proves it to St. Peter by reciting a Latin poem. The problem, however, is that Tom hasn't had any math or science, and does not have good handwriting.

Tom tells St. Peter that he has money in his name in New Mexico, but that he can't touch it while...