Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1880-02-21
Abby.s wish.


sister, were out playing on the
grass, for they were too young 10
study much yet. 1t was bright,
brilliant morning, much too nice
to stay in the house, ABBY
thought.
"Oh,. dear! / never shall learn
this old geograpy lesson in the
world groaned Abby, giving the
book a little jerk. II wish could
know my lessons without study
ing them Wouldn't that be
nice? 1t would be just like fairy
life,' continued Abby, and she
fell to thinking how fine 1t would
be. II was such a delightful idea
that pretty soon she forgot all
about her geography lesson, and
dropped the book on the floor.
And | think she leaned back in
the chair, with her head over on
her shoulder.
And here the funniest little old
man came into the room that Alb
by ever saw. He was dressed in a
long, old-fashioned coat, such as
she had seen in charade once,
and he had red flannel cloak on,
although 1t was warm weather.
He wore the oldest shaped point
ed hat, with gold tassel dangling
down about his very large ears
His small eyes twinkled under
long, grizz.ed eyebrows.
This curious person walked
straight into tho room without
knocking, just as If he were an old
friend of the family, and looked
"SWisS Sos 5. are nS ySa what are you
here for r. cried Abby in intense
astonishment.
The funny old man csme step
or two nearer, and shook his head
at her.
What do you want here ?"
asked Abby, moving back q little.
She would have been afraid of
him If his face hadn't been 50 COM
ical.
''I am Mr.. WISE Without
Work. I'm the one who makes
children know their lessons with
AOut studying;" aud he capered
bout the room Id high glee.
That's just what / was wishing
cried Abby, perfectly de-
ed. How glad l am you've
YES, | know said he dry
When shall we begin about
lsiness p
rightaway," replied Abby;
wait minute"
on this the man took long,
wv tube from his pocket, and
Ing one end into his mouth
the other at Abby's ear, blew
all his might, so quickly she
dly knew what he was about.
How queer exclaimed Abby.
bbing her ear, and not liking it
cry well.
"Yes," said the odd little man,
but it's the best way to get at the
rains. You won't have any more
rouble with lessons;" and he put
he long stalk back into his pocket
with great care.
True enough, in a minue Abby
found that she knew her geogra-
phy lesson perfectly we'll, though
4 it was much harder one than
common, and all the other lessons
besides. She could bound every
state in the Union without sim
gle slip, and as for the arithmetic
examples. that had always been
her great trouble ia school, she
could explain them as glibIy as
Madame Maison could talk
French.
"Come on now! Start for your
school!' ordered the little man,
and he danced out of the room, and
disappeared down the street.
So Abby started at once. At
school she recited the best lesson
OF anybody. She didn't miss once.
"How well you've done!'' said
her teacher, smiling, after they
had all been dismissed.
And twas 80 the whole term.
Nobody did so well as Abby. Fin
ally the last day came.
II shall be sure to get the prizes"
said Abby to herself.
Some one called at the school
room door that day, and spoke to
the teacher in low voice. None of
the children knew who it was but
Abby.
Il wonder what that funny old
man wants !" she said to herself.
Imagine how surprised Abby
was when the prizes were read off,
and she didn't get a single
one. AL the children looked
around at her, and then they look
ed at each other. She felt her
cheeks burn like lire.
awe never give prizes here ex-