SCENE.--_The interior of the little red schoolhouse of our grandfathers.
Teacher's desk at R., stove L., chair for committee man in front of
stove, desks at back, leaving an open space in front for classes, etc.
Blackboard and map at back. Blackboard down in R. corner, by teacher's
desk, facing house. Door at back, C._
_As pupils enter they courtesy to the teacher, and after hanging
hats and bonnets on nails, take their seats. One pupil is granted
the privilege of ringing the bell at the door, whereupon the
rest enter. The school is them called to order and the roll is read.
Each answers "here" or "present" to his name. When the name of
"James Peters" is read there is no reply. At length one of the girls
explains that he "had to stay to hum to mind the baby." Another
scholar reports that "the reason Molly Jenkins didn't come was
because she hadn't no shoes."_
TEACHER. I see a few new scholars here. I will now take their names.
What name do you call yourself, sir?
J. C. SMITH. I don't call myself any names! But Nappy Jones does,
and ef he ever does it again (_doubling up his fists and threatening
the same, who returns the compliment_), I'll lick him, see ef I don't!
My name is Julius Caesar Smith, and don't you forget it.
TEACHER. How old are you, Julius Caesar?
J. C. S. I'm five years old next Christmas.
TEACHER. That will do. The next scholar.
J. CALL. I'm Jule Call, and my brother's name is Bill Call.
TEACHER. Your brother can speak for himself. It is very improper to
say "Jule" and "Bill;" you should say Julius. Now, what is your name?
J. C. Julius Call, sir.
TEACHER. Next?
B. CALL. Bilious Call, sir.
TEACHER. What, sir!