A stir of excitement swept over the class.
Then Dally went on to explain why he wished to know. The first three grades were divided into A and B classes, but that had nothing to do with the teaching, which was the same in both classes. The fourth and fifth grades, on the other hand, were divided into a "Latin" and an "English" branch, with quite different curricula. Boys headed for the various professions ought to choose the former branch, while the second one led to more practical pursuits.
"You are going to be an officer, I understand." Dally said, turning to primus.
"Yes, sir," the young Jew answered with a self-importance that even Keith could not miss. "My father wants me to try for the General Staff, and so I have to specialize on mathematics."
"Humph," was Dally's only audible comment as he made a note, but he looked as if he had tasted something unpleasant.
"And you, Wellander," asked the teacher.
"I am going to be an explorer," replied Keith without moment's hesitation, and the whole class broke into a roar of laughter with Dally joining them.
Keith, as usual, blushed a deep crimson, but did not move.
"That's neither a trade nor a profession," said Dally after a while, still smiling. "I fear you are fuzzy-wuzzying again, Wellander. What do you mean by an explorer?"
"One who explores rivers and deserts and unknown countries and such things," said Keith brazenly.