Charley. The same to you. I believe we are about equally matched. I want to take the highest mark, but if I am to be defeated, there's no one to whom I'd sooner surrender the "victor's laurels" than to you.
Ralph. And I can heartily say the same of you; but we must both look out. John Ray told the boys yesterday he was bound to have the highest mark.
Charley. I don't fear him.
Ralph. But he's a good declaimer, Charley.
Charley. I'll acknowledge that; but you know he's a terrible fellow for putting off study until the last moment. It was only yesterday morning Master Jones decided to have declamation to-day. The only time we had to prepare was yesterday noon, last night, and this morning.
Ralph. Time enough, Charley.
Charley. Certainly. But I know John Ray hasn't employed it. Yesterday noon he went boating; last night I'm afraid he visited Hopkins's melon patch; and this morning I saw him from my window playing ball.
Ralph. Then we've not much to fear from him; but here he is, puffing like a porpoise.
Enter John Ray, l., with a book.