Page:Pipetown Sandy (Sousa 1905).djvu/34

18 Before the lesson was over, Gilbert, by leaps of fives, and tens, and twelves, was at the head of the class. Sandy, who had been solidly intrenched at the foot since the opening day of school, became once more a fixture there.

"Sandy, name one of the Northern States," said Miss Latham.

"Did yer say one of the Northern States, Miss Maisie?" echoed Sandy, sparring for time, and scratching his head.

"Yes, that is my question."

"Lemme see,"—drawling this slowly, stroking his forehead, and looking perplexed.

"Hurry, Sandy, we can not wait all day," said the teacher a little impatiently.

"I'm awful sorry, Miss Maisie," replied Sandy, "but jest now I disremember whether Lou'siana will do fer an answer; but if it don't how would Georgyfit?"

"Sandy, Sandy, will you ever comprehend? When the class go to their seats, you sit down by Gilbert Franklin and let him teach you the names of the Northern States. He might be able to get them through your head; I despair of doing so."

"Yes, I'll go right off," responded Sandy, delighted, while the little fellow was overjoyed at