“‘My name’s Tommy Thompson,’ replied the boy, ‘and I—’
“At that moment the bell rang, and the remainder of his sentence was drowned in the rush of the rest of us to the classroom.
“When all was quiet the master called Doddle up, and said, ‘Well, Thompson, my boy, your mother tells me you have learned a little grammar and a little arithmetic. I hope that we shall instil into you a good deal of those branches of learning, and of many others besides, ere long. Let me hear what you can do.’
“‘I can play hockey and dumps,’ began Doddle, in a sing-song tone, and with the most uncommonly innocent expression of visage; ‘an’ I can—’
“‘Stay, boy,’ interrupted the master, smiling; ‘I do not want to know what you can play at. Keep silence until I put a few questions to you. What is English grammar?’
“‘Eh?’
“‘Don’t say “Eh!” When you fail to understand me, say “Sir?” interrogatively. What is English grammar?’
“‘It’s a book.’
“The master looked over the top of his spectacles at Doddle in surprise.
“‘English grammar,’ said he, slowly, and with a slight touch of sternness, ‘is indeed contained in a book; but I wish to know what it teaches.’