“Ah, but I can't read as you read! I understand that much! I was born where there ain't any books. I can shoot and fish and run and ride and swim, and all that kind of thing. I never had to fight. I think I could shoe a horse, if any one would give me a lesson or two.”
“I will, with pleasure, miss.”
“Oh, thank you. That will be jolly! But how is it you can do everything?”
“I can only do one or two things. I can shoe a horse, but I never had the chance of riding one.”
“Teach me to shoe Miss Brown, and I will teach you to ride her. How is your hand?”
“Quite well, thank you.”
“I would rather learn to read, though—the right way, I mean—the way that makes one book talk to another.”
“That would be better than shoeing Miss Brown; but I will teach you both, if you care to learn.”
“Thank you indeed! When shall we begin?”
“When you please.”