“What have you been up to, Sammy?” asked Frank, half guessing.

“Oh, nothing but wearing a pin cushion between my shoulders,” chuckled Sammy in reply.

Just then the bell rang, and the scholars began to flock into the little schoolhouse.

[18]

[18]

CHAPTER II THE FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL

THE FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL

Frank Haven piloted Benny Lane among the crowding scholars. The little fellow used a crutch, and some of the rougher boys nearly swept him off his feet.

Frank Haven

“It seems like home again, doesn’t it, Sammy?” whispered Bob, as they took their places at their old desks.

There was the usual hum and bustle that always took place on the first day of school.

Miss Williams, the teacher, welcomed all the boys and girls with a pleasant smile. She gave the scholars time to settle themselves in their seats before she called the school to order.

When she finally tapped the little bell on her desk everybody became quiet, except Jed Burr. He was leaning over towards Sammy’s desk, mumbling out something about getting even with him. Miss Williams tapped the desk sharply with her ruler, and looked right at Jed. He scowled at Sammy and then at the teacher.

“There will be no school this afternoon,” began Miss Williams, and there was a great rustling about, and everybody grew eager and smiling.

“The school board will meet here this afternoon,” went on the teacher, “so you will have a half holiday.”

“Hurrah!” cheered Sammy to himself.

Bob touched his foot with his own and chuckled.

“This morning you will all come up in your turn and get[19] your classes and lists for new books,” added Miss Williams. “The new scholars will come first, please.”

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