56 Lurnaside Cottage.

 

“No, no, stop you a bit,” cried Tommy ; I’llshew
you what we'll do.” And going boldly up to the
master’s desk, he took the prayer-book and began
to turn over the pages, all the other boys pressing
round to watch him.

“We han’t a got no clerk, though,’ continued
Tommy, looking up with his finger on the place he
had fixed on. “Ha, I knows! Reuben, you're the
youngest scholard ; come you here, lad. Get back
into your places, you rest.”

“ /fe don’t know how to do nothin’,” said Simon,
with much contempt.

“Don't he? and a deal better’n you, Simon; so
hold you your tongue,” retorted Tommy. “Now,
Reuben, catch hold,” he continued, putting into my
hand an open copy-book, “and whenever you hears
me come to a stop, say you, ‘Amen.’ That’s all.”

I took the book and stood where Tommy placed
me, straight in front of him, with all gravity and
innocence ; for I really believed that this was some
ceremony that the latest comer had to go through
on his first day, and was well pleased to get it over
in the master’s absence.

Tommy began in a loud, clear voice—“ A man
may not marry his grandmother.”

“Amen!” said I, perceiving that he came to a
full stop,