“And he was chosen the first president of the United States.”
Billy put his hands to his ears and wriggled his fingers at Jimmy, who promptly returned the compliment.
“He had no children of his own, so he is called the Father of his Country.”
Miss Minerva closed the book, turned to the little boy at her side, and asked:
“Who was this great and good man, William?”
“Jesus,” was his ready answer, in an appropriately solemn little voice.
“Why, William Green Hill!” she exclaimed in disgust. “What are you thinking of? I don't believe you heard one word that I read.”
Billy was puzzled; he was sure she had said “Born in a manger.” “I didn't hear her say nothin' 'bout bulrushes,” he thought, “so 'tain't Moses; she didn't say 'log cabin,' so 'tain't Ab'aham Lincoln; she didn't say 'Thirty cents look down upon you,' so 'tain't Napolyon. I sho' wish I'd paid 'tention.”
“Jesus!” his aunt was saying, “born in Virginia and first president of the United States!”
“George Washin'ton, I aimed to say,” triumphantly screamed the little boy, who had received his cue.