The two stood inside the open door. As Wathemah saw Kenneth talking to his teacher, he entered the door, pushed between them, nestled close to her, and said defiantly:
"Miss Bright me teacher; mine!"
"Yours, eh, sonny?" said Kenneth, smiling. Then looking into Esther's face, he said:
"I wish I could feel as sure that some day you will be mine."
A delicate flush swept over her face. When he went on his way, life and vigor were in every step. He seemed to walk on air.
The recess over, the children returned to their seats, and Patrick Murphy entered. The school, for the hour, was transformed into a place of general merchandise, for the teacher had promised that to-day they would play store, buy and sell. Business was to be done on a strictly cash basis, and accounts kept. Several children had been busy for days, making school money. Scales for weighing, and various measures were in evidence.
Patrick watched the play of the children, as they weighed and measured, bought and sold.
At the close of the exercises, he turned to Esther, saying:
"Oi wisht Oi wuz young agin mesilf. Yez larn the chilthren more in wan hour, 'n' many folks larns in a loife toime. It's thankful Oi am that yez came ter Gila, fur the school is gittin' on."
Having delivered himself of this compliment, he withdrew, highly pleased with himself, with the teacher, with the school, and the world generally. If there was one thing that met with Patrick's unqualified approval, it was "to git on."