It was the first Monday after the holidays. The children had taken their seats in the Old Bark School, and the master called out the roll as usual:
“Arvie Aspinall.”... “'Es, sir.”
“David Cooper.”... “Yes, sir.”
“John Heegard.”... “Yezzer.”
“Joseph Swallow.”... “Yesser.”
“James Bullock.”... “Present.”
“Frederick Swallow.”... “Y'sir.”
“James Nowlett.”... . (Chorus of “Absent.”)
“William Atkins.”... (Chorus of “Absent.”)
“Daniel Lyons.”... “Perresent, sor-r-r.”
Dan was a young immigrant, just out from the sod, and rolled his “r's” like a cock-dove. His brogue was rich enough to make an Irishman laugh.
Bill was “wagging it.” His own especial chum was of the opinion that Bill was sick. The master's opinion did not coincide, so he penned a note to William's parents, to be delivered by the model boy of the school.
“Bertha Lambert.”... “Yes, 'air.”
“May Carey.”... “Pesin', sair.”
“Rose Cooper.”... “Yes, sir.”
“Janet Wild.”... “Y-y-yes, s-sir.”
“Mary Wild.”...
A solemn hush1 fell upon the school, and presently Janet Wild threw her arms out on the desk before her, let her face fall on them, and sobbed2 heart-brokenly. The mas............