Page:Pipetown Sandy (Sousa 1905).djvu/21

Rh Perhaps Gilbert can explain to you how easy this sum in addition really is."

Sandy slowly retraced his steps down the aisle, and, crossing over, sat down by the side of Gilbert, who took the older boy's slate to see how the example was written out.

With a good-humored smile at the odd twisting of the figures, Gilbert turned, and, placing his hand on the other's arm, with assurance and sympathy, began:

"My father says there have been some awfully smart people high up in the world, who were not worth shucks in doing sums in arithmetic."

"When did yer father say that?" doubtingly asked Sandy.

"Oh, lots of times. He says one of the great Roman generals had to have some one around to count up for him, and you know great Roman generals were away up, and no mistake," said little Gilbert impressively.

"Yes, I seen one in the theater onct, actin', but he didn't git 'way up, 'cause he couldn't do no sums," and the older boy dubiously shook his head.

Without apparent notice of the interruption, Gilbert continued with a mighty, philosophic air: