(SETH runs off. Teacher passes along saying “Good-morning” etc., to children.)
BOY. (still whittling, to group which comes up). Say, boys, Seth Crane’s going to play hookey. Let’s pay, him back for saying we stole Squire Green’s apples, will you, and tell his mother? She’s a daisy, though, ain’t she?
SECOND BOY. Agreed! But who’ll tell the old lady?
BOY. Let Daniel. He’s teacher’s pet anyway, and if he’s late, nothing’ll be said. Will you go, Dan?
DANIEL. Yes. The old lady’ll give me some of her nice doughnuts. (Smacking lips, he runs off. Boys pass off in other direction, crying, “Save some for us, Dan,” etc.)
The above merely serves to indicate the general nature of the dialogue that may be characteristically employed, the precise points to be made depending for their humorous value so entirely upon the identity of the actor in each case and their contradiction of his well-known character and dignity, that they must be left to the invention of the players. The dialogue, whatever its nature, should be accompanied by an incessant pantomimic action of characteristic boyish antics and practical jokes, made inexpressibly ludicrous by whiskers, bass voices, and other personal anachronisms.
At the close of this introductory part, and while the curtain is rising on the school scene, a large bell should be rung vigorously.
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THE SCHOOLROOM.
SCENE.—The interior of the little red schoolhouse of our grandfathers. Teacher’s desk at R., stove L., chair for committee man in front of stove, desks at back, leaving an open space in front for classes, etc. Blackboard and map at back. Blackboard down in R. corner, by teacher’s desk, facing house. Door at back, C.
As pupils enter they courtesy to the teacher, and after hanging hats and bonnets on nails, take their seats. One pupil is granted the privilege of ringing the bell at the door, whereupon the rest enter. The school is them called to order and the roll is read. Each answers “here” or “present” to his name. When the name of “James Peters” is read there is no reply. At length one of the girls explains that he “had to stay to hum to mind the baby.” Another scholar reports that “the reason Molly Jenkins didn’t come was because she hadn’t no shoes.”
TEACHER. I see a few new scholars here. I will now take their names. What name do you call yourself, sir?