In the good old days of the rod of birch a Philadelphia school teacher
was very partial to one of his boys, and very severe to another. One day
they were both tardy. Rod in hand he called them both up on the floor.
"James, my boy," said he to the favorite regretfully, but kindly, "why
were you late to-day?" "You see, sir," replied James, "I was asleep,
sir, and I dreamed I was going to California, and I was down on the
wharf, and I thought the school-bell was the bell of the steamboat."
"That will do, my boy," said the teacher, glad of an excuse to shield
his favorite, "always tell the truth, my boy. And now, sir," said he to
the other sternly, "and where were you?" "You, see, sir," said the other
candidly, "I was down on the wharf waitin' to see Jim off!"