Page:Smith - Number Stories of Long ago (1919).djvu/84

OF LONG AGO “It must have taken a long time to get an arithmetic lesson in those days,” said Emily.

“No longer than it takes now,” said the Story-Teller.

“How could that be?” asked Charles.

“It is just as easy as anything. All you have to do is to make the arithmetic lesson shorter, and that is just what was done.”

“I wish they would do that in my school,” remarked Margaret.

“Do you really?” asked the Story-Teller, “and do you want to do your work with counters on a board?”

“Well, that’s different,” Margaret answered, “and I think after all that our way is better than theirs.”

“I don't see yet how they multiplied with the Roman numerals,” said Helen.

“You are just trying to get me to promise another story,” said the wily old Story-Teller. “Don't forget the Question Box. Now all of you get off to bed and don't bother me any more to-night.”

“What about to-morrow night?” asked the Tease.

“To bed!” ordered the Story-Teller. 61