“The elephant; old Fatty Felix. There he is, waddling along ahead of us,” murmured Ted in guarded tones. “Wouldn’t that make you sick, though. Hope he isn’t in my class.” Teddy’s voice rose higher as his disgust grew greater.
“No talking in the line, young man,” came the sharp command. Company A was rapidly dividing itself into three sections. They had reached the southern end of the building, which faced on a small side street. This end had been reserved for the school rooms. There were three of them in a row, each being the size of an ordinary class-room, and seating comfortably twenty-five boys. There were rarely that number to a room, however, as each of the three companies comprised not more than fifty boys, except at the holiday season. But during those busy days, school was not in session.
Both boys glanced sharply about at the sound of the voice. A short, severe-looking woman with small blue eyes and a sallow complexion stared fixed reproval upon them. Teddy’s heart sank. She was even worse than Miss Alton, he decided.
“Where do you boys belong? Why haven’t I seen you before? How long have you been in the store?” came the sharp questions.
“We were taken on last Tuesday, and we were told to come to school to-day. This boy is in Department 40, and I am at Exchange Desk Number 10.” Harry spoke in pleasant, respectful tones.
“Where are your school slips?”
“We haven’t any. We——”
“Go and get them.”
“Where shall we go for them?”
“To Mr. Marsh, of course. It’s very evident you boys were not paying attention to what he said to you when you were taken on the store messenger force. Look out, or you each will get a demerit for inattention.”