The great West. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1889-18??, 1891-11-20

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point. Perhaps it was in the scientific
course. To cover my confusion l
looked at my watch. It was far past
recess time and l rang the bell
/ measured off just five minutes for
the recess. Time was precious if the
morning programme was to be COM
pleted. Promptly at the expiration of
the time / rang the bell, and as the
astonished company hustled back to
their seats / noticed Peter Thompson's
place vacant.
Where is Peter!"
He went home crying"
Said he'd tell his MAJ
Said he warn't goin' to no old
school," volunteered dozen voices.
l summoned 'B geography" This
was class of intermediate grade,
whose lesson for the day was Africa
All went smoothly until l began to
talk about the animals of Africa the
lions and giraffes and elephants. Up
went small hand.
Teacher said they hain't no ele-
plant in Africa"
Up from the back seat that hand
again.
well. Alice?"
Teacher didn't say that. Teacher
said there were no elephants in Aus
tralia.''
.,Yezzar. Teacher said they was
elephants in Africa. l forgot y
l do not know what was the matter
with me. I certainly knew better but
/ went on to tell about the kangaroos.
l suppose the word Australia suggested
them.
We'll Alice, what now?"
Teacher said there were no kanga-
roos in Africa
Alice, you may study your lesson.
You are not reciting just now"
Right here the door opened wide,
and in it stood little bit of woman,
with sun bonnet on her head and a
mop in her hand. the cloth frozen stiff.
She painted with .one hand on her
heart ''WhNle's the school marm?"
HE could not be here to-day.
take his place. Is there anything
can do for you, ma'am? May 1 ask
your name?"
I'm Missus Thompson. My poor
little boy just come home a-cryin' as
if his little heart would break, an I'd
just like to know who's been misusin'
of him. I'd put the law on 'em, |
would! Pretty COINS on in school
house. 1 must say! Oh, there you are,
Miss Stanley! Why amt you In your
proper placer"
Mrs. Thompson, may I see you a
moment in the lobby?" asked Miss
Stanley, while I stood entirely dumb
! founded
dispose you may
While they went out 1 got my hat
and overcoat and put them on. MY
brain was in a whirl. That little girl
But after all there was certain air of
maturity about her. And that Deke-
LEILA! And the giggling. was fool.
As I got out into the lobby, how,
know not, Mrs. Thompson was depart
ing with a broad grin on her face.
Miss Stanley held out her hand with
several roguish dimples playing hide
and seek about her cheeks.
Pardon me. l thought at first some
one was trying to play a trick on me
through you but I fear now I have
been the trickster. was quite tired
and discouraged this morning. If you
were teacher-pardon me for imagin-
ing that you are not-you would know
how glad was to rest and hear some
one else teach and learn how. This
last added slyly.
When she had directed me across
the fields lifted my hat and walked
off. AS Miss Stanley entered the school
room / heard tumultuOus clapping and
cheering.
l plunged fiercely on, reviewing the
mornings experience with burning
cheek whose fires were none the cooler
by the time / reached my cousin s
school, which also noticed was 'front.'
ed with big elm.
buzz of a school in session greeted my
ears. Wonderingly I raped at the
door. 1t opened. and TO- Jack.
.'How's your tooth?'' savagely said I.
Might as well own up. It was all
trick. came out here and hid.
was going to hear you teach all the
morning. and then disclose myself.
The boys were in the secret. but when
you didn't come the joke was on me.
Where have you beenP"
But that 1 never told. Amos r.
Wells in Detroit Free Press.
What 1t Meant.