Charley. Well, John, got your piece?
John. Got my piece? No. I've been bothered to death!
Ralph. You've been keeping company with the "thief of time."
John. I'd like to know what you mean by that.
Ralph. I'll tell you. You should have studied your piece yesterday noon; but, instead of that, you went boating. You should have studied last night; but instead of that, you got into a scrape, which promises to make trouble for you; and this morning you played ball instead of taking time for your work.
John. Well, I meant to have studied it yesterday, but I thought I had plenty of time. I wanted a little recreation.
Charley. Yes, John; but you should look out for the lessons first, and not neglect them. Come, let's go to school.
John. And be at the foot of the class. I don't like this.
Ralph. You'll find a remedy for it in the copy-book.
John. What is it?