“That is right,” said the teacher. “Take your place,” and she moved up three places. She was so happy that she could hardly stand still. What a story she would have to tell the mother and to write to Boy Cousin, of going up three places the very first day!
But even greater glory awaited her. The next pupil recited:
“Kentucky is noted for foosle remains of animals and for its mammoth cave.”
“What kind of remains?” asked the teacher, and the boy replied,
“Foosle.”
“The whole class may tell what that word is,” said the teacher, and there was a chorus of “Fossil.”
“Can any one tell what a fossil is?”
No one but Ella raised a hand. Her cheeks were still burning, but she answered bravely:
“A fossil is what used to be a plant or an animal. It has turned into stone, and is dug up out of the ground.”
“Excellent,” said the teacher. “It sounds as if you really knew fossils. Have you any of your own that you could bring to school to show us?”