"I see how it is," said Port.
"Yes, it's great fun; and the last one up gets the dictionary."
It had been agreed that neither of the school-teachers should give out the words, and Elder Evans had modestly insisted that the pastor of the Cobbleville church should perform that duty.
"Won't he kill 'em off, though!" exclaimed Corry dolefully.
"Won't he play fair?"
"Why, yes, he'll be honest enough, I s'pose. But then he pronounces so! Wait till you hear him."
It was about time to begin, and the two boys and Pen found themselves quite a little distance down the line below Vosh and Susie.
"That's Elder Keyser. Oh, but isn't that a big dictionary! Hush! he's giving out a word."
Nobody needed to be told that, for it was given in a deep, very heavy voice, that was heard all over the house; but Port at once understood all about Elder Keyser's pronunciation.
The poor word was in a manner tumbled neck and heels out of the good man's mouth, with a sort of vocal kick to hurry it; and there were chances of serious injury to any syllable that should happen to stumble.