Mrs. Lincoln: Well, I helped him a little, but he's far ahead of me now; he's ciphered clear through that old ragged arithmetic that's been kicking around the house. Mr. Lincoln (_turning shovel over_): But both sides are covered. What's he going to do now? Mrs. Lincoln: O, he'll take the shaving knife and whittle it all off, then he'll have a "new slate," as he says. Mr. Lincoln (_holding up shovel_): A new slate! Sums! Well, I vum! (_Whistle heard behind scenes._) Mrs. Lincoln (_rising_): There he comes now. Put the shovel away, and don't scold him, pa. Mr. Lincoln: Sums! I vum! (_Exit quickly behind cupboard._) Curtain THE PROPHECY Clara J. Denton A DIALOGUE FOR ONE GIRL AND TWO BOYS CHARACTERS John Thomas Helen COSTUMES The characters wear suits made as nearly as possible in the style of seventy years ago. For hints as to proper styles consult pictures in old books--a brief description is, however, given. The boys' trousers are long and loose; the jackets are short and tight-fitting, with small sleeves. The jackets are made open in front, and short, close-fitting vests, buttoning to the neck, are worn under them. White turn-over collars surmount the whole. These suits may be made of the cheapest material. Or, if preferred, the boys may be arrayed in blue overalls and "jumpers"; this will save much labor and inconvenience. The girl wears a short, full-skirted gown of pink calico, the waist made plain, fitting closely and buttoning up the back. The hair should hang in two long braids, the ends tied together with a green ribbon. SCENE The stage is set to represent a schoolroom, with blackboards and maps on the walls, and cheap plain benches and desks in an orderly arrangement. A small pine table, on which are some books and a hand-bell, is in the center. Behind this table is an old-fashioned wooden chair for the teacher. Shabby and battered books are piled neatly on the various desks. John (_enters at right, comes to one of the desks, seats himself, and opens a book_): Here is this miserable sum again. I suppose I've just _got_ to get it done before the teacher comes; but I can't make head or tail of the thing. Let me see (_reads_): "If the half of four be three, what will three-fourths of twenty be?" (_Closes book with a bang._) Was there ever any stuff like that? Everybody knows that half of four can't be three, so what's the use of wearing out a fellow's brains, 'specially when he's like me and hasn't any to spare, over a silly thing like that? O, gee, I believe I'll run away. I hate this school, school, all the time. If father would only let me stay at home and plough. Thomas (_enters at right_): What's that, Jack? Didn't I hear you say something about ploughing? John (_rises and leaves desk, both boys come down_): Yes, I was just wishing I could stay at home and plough instead of coming to school and worrying my head over fractions. I hate them.