My School Day. by

 

There was a general titter, but Tommy went
boldly on ; I repeating “Amen” as he proclaimed
each forbidden relationship, until one voice after
another joined mine, and we had quite a chorus.

Tommy had gone all down the man’s column,
and was beginning the woman’s, when his voice
suddenly failed, and he dropped the book and sank
behind the desk. My next “Amen” was so ready on
the tip of my tongue that out it came whether I
would or no, and even as I said it I saw the angry
eyes of Mr. Tombs glaring above the boys’ heads.
Then, and not till then, did it flash across me that
Iwas the dupe of some practical joke ; down fell
the copy-book, and down went my burning face
into my hands.

“Whose voice did I hear saying ‘Amen’ as
I came in?” demanded Mr. Tombs, in an awful
voice.

“Twas the new boy, sir!” cried Simon.

“For shame, Simon; you was saying it too your-
self!” cried another.

»”

 

“ And so was you

”

 

“And you
“Silence!” shouted the master. “I will no
longer delay the closing of school; therefore,
Reuben Bramble, return to your place. But when
prayers are over you will remain behind, that I may