"Just before you go to school, shake some red pepper into your hand and go into a small closet. Shut the door so's none of the stuff can get out, and blow on it. Stay there until your eyes begin to smart. You'll find they're all red. That's the first symptom. Now repeat what I told you."
His pupil obeyed.
"Let Miss Brown take a good look and she'll send you to the doctor right away. When you come into the office, give a little cough as if your throat hurt. Let's hear you."
The urchin hacked vigorously.
"No, no, not so loud! You couldn't do that if your throat hurt as much as you must pretend it does. Try again."
This time, the effort satisfied even the teacher's critical ear.
"Then, when the doctor asks what's the matter, tell him you don't exactly know; that your head feels sort of queer, and you were all hot when you woke up this morning. He'll say 'Measles' and order you 'home until the case develops,'" quoting the physician's words at his own dismissal. "Now give me the nickel."
"Shucks, is that all?"
"Yes."
"That ain't worth no nickel."