fifteen until nineteen
The poor man was dangerously hurt , for in addition to a broken arm , he received half a dozen severe contusions on the head , and in different parts of the body . This closed Phelim 's education ; for no persuasion could ever induce him to enter a school afterwards ; nor could any temptation prevail on the neighboring teachers to admit him as a pupil . Phelim now shot up rapidly to the stature of a young man ; and a graceful slip was he . From the period of fifteen until nineteen , he was industriously employed in idleness . About sixteen he began to look after the girls , and to carry a cudgel . The father in vain attempted to inoculate him with a love of labor ; but Phelim would not receive the infection . His life was a pleasanter one .