L Frank Baum

The Scarecrow of Oz L Frank Baum

"Seems to me," said Cap'n Bill, as he sat beside Trot under the big acacia tree, looking out overthe blue ocean, "seems to me, Trot, as how the more we know, the more we find we don't know.""I can't quite make that out, Cap'n Bill," answered the little girl in a serious voice, after amoment's thought, during which her eyes followed those of the old sailor-man across the glassysurface of the sea. "Seems to me that all we learn is jus' so much gained.""I know; it looks that way at first sight," said the sailor, nodding his head; "but those as knowsthe least have a habit of thinkin' they know all there is to know, while them as knows the mostadmits what a turr'ble big world this is. It's the knowing ones that realize one lifetime ain't longenough to git more'n a few dips o' the oars of knowledge."Trot didn't answer. She was a very little girl, with big, solemn eyes and an earnest, simplemanner. Cap'n Bill had been her faithful companion for years and had taught her almost everythingshe knew.