Page:Pipetown Sandy (Sousa 1905).djvu/20

6 Gilbert looked across the aisle and observed the other boy. It was Gilbert's first day at school, and he had been so engrossed with his studies and the exciting incident of the day, that he had paid little attention to his companions, save in the most desultory way. Sandy, the boy who was struggling with the problem, was fairly tall, raw-boned, much freckled, with a little stubby nose, and hair that was very red.

"Homely as a hedge fence," was the general description of him, but with all his plainness there was a look of sincerity in his face, and through the merry twinkle of the bluest of blue eyes shone a soul fearless and brave. Gilbert was attracted to him immediately.

Sandy, still intent on his task, sighed again, then raised his hand slowly, and said: "Mebbe I've got the right answer, Miss Maisie." He arose, half reluctantly, and tiptoed toward the teacher.

Miss Latham glanced at the slate, and, with a slight touch of asperity, said: "Sandy! Sandy! will you ever learn? Your answer is all wrong." Her foot tapped impatiently on the floor, and then looking in the direction of Gilbert, she said: "Take your slate and sit down by the little fellow.