will be impossible for you to grant what I ask, for I am aware that my
boy is not advanced in his studies as far as the average of the pupils
that recite to you, and I have long since learned, by sad experience,
the inexorableness of the present graded school system, which forces
pupils into their places strictly according to their examination
records, regardless of all other contingencies. I beg your pardon, if
I seem to speak harshly," he quickly added, fearing that he might have
reflected too severely upon the gentleman to whom he was speaking.

"You need offer no apology," returned Mr. Bright. "I regret as much as
you can the too rigorous ways that have fallen upon our schools."

"Well, will you give the boy a trial?" asked the parson, bringing the
issue to a point.

"Most certainly," returned Mr. Bright, and then the gentlemen wished
each other "good-morning," the parson going home and the teacher
turning to his desk again.

It was not until the following Monday morning that "Dodd" Weaver made
his appearance in the school room. His father had urged him to go
sooner, but he cared little for the wishes of his sire, and took his
time in this, as he did in all else.

"Dodd" came late to school when he did come, and evidently counted on
making a sensation on his first appearance. He was very shabbily
dressed, and had purposely added to his generally slouching appearance
by deliberately "making up" for his debut. His hair was long, and he
had tangled and frowzed it all over his head till it looked like an
ungainly pile of corn silk. His face was grimy, a big quid of tobacco