Final answer:
Tobias learned to read through social interactions with generous young boys whom he befriended, by trading bread for lessons during his errands.
Step-by-step explanation:
One thing that Tobias learned through trial and error, and by conversing with passing strangers, was the ability to read. This knowledge was not formally taught but rather acquired through the kindness of little boys he befriended on the streets during his errands. Tobias would trade bread, which he was fortunate to have in abundance, for their guidance in learning, making this exchange of knowledge a heartfelt barter for literacy.
The young boys provided him with the valuable bread of knowledge, despite the potential risks involved in teaching a slave to read in a society where such an act could be considered almost unpardonable. By utilizing the opportunities his errands provided and leveraging his social interactions, Tobias learned to read in an ingenious yet discreet manner, showcasing resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of human connection.