"Why, no, indeed! Of course not--why, of course _not_. But that isn't just what I mean, because of course you would never think of doing that anyway, would you, Tommy?" Hands were waving madly in all directions now; but when young Charles Sumner Scott raised his with its usual effect of poise and precision, Miss North considered the situation saved. Charles usually saved the situation. "How must we treat the eyes if we want to keep them nice and strong, Charles?" "Not pick no holes in 'em wid no _hat_-pin!" announced Charles. "Hands down!" ordered Miss North. Hands down, indeed! "Hezzy Cones, did you hear what I said?" "Yath'm! Not pick no holthe in 'em wid no _hair_-pin!" shouted Hezzy, not to be walked over so easily, and jubilant at this slight variation. The new pupil had waked up, too. "Not pick no holes in 'em wid no _knittin'-needle_!" he sang loudly, in a perfect burst of inspiration. This was a stroke of genius, and they all looked around on the new-comer admiringly, and looked a little doubtful, for a moment, as to whether anything more could be said on the subject. Ezekiel fairly radiated at his friend's success. [Illustration: "I KIN GET 'EM YERE, EF YER WANTS."] "Now, wait, children!" said Miss North, with emphasis amounting almost to severity. "Our answers are getting wild--very wild. And I do not wish to hear anything more about _pins_ or _needles_ or _hat-pins_ or _knitting-needles_. I should like to see you all _very straight_ in your seats." There was a tremendous effort at straightening up, whereupon Miss North proceeded to make a few valuable suggestions in regard to the treatment of the eyes. "Now," said Miss North, as if she were propounding a theory of rare and striking originality, "_who_ can tell me another part of the body?" The pause was long; they were evidently feeling somewhat sore over their last setback. "Well?" encouraged Miss North. "Yer laigs," mumbled a stuffy voice from the back of the room. "Yes, your legs, Samuel; that is quite right. And perhaps you can tell me what your legs are for, Samuel. But wait; we will _think_ before answering." "Ter se' down with," answered Samuel comfortably. "No, Samuel; you evidently did _not_ think; they are for nothing of the kind," returned Miss North shortly. Trusty's hand was waving with unmistakable interest. Miss North was painfully aware that he must be encouraged. "Well, Trusty," she ventured, "what are your legs for?" "_Ter hole yer feet on!_" shouted Trusty, in a perfect spasm of joyous interest. Miss North essayed to collect her thoughts. "Well, hardly, hardly for--_that alone_, are they, Trusty? Tell me what else they are for." But Trusty failed to find any other use to which he could put the legs, and Miss North again took the floor; whereupon Trusty's interest immediately subsided. Later on, she attempted, somewhat cautiously, to draw him out once more; but the day went on, and not once again did Trusty deign to come to the front.