chapter, Oscar was sitting at his desk in the school-room, with an open
book before him, but with his eyes idly staring at a blackboard affixed
to one of the walls. The teacher watched him a moment, and then spoke
to him.

"Oscar," he said, "what do you find so very fascinating about that
blackboard? You have been looking at it very intently for several
minutes--what do you see that interests you so!"

Oscar hung his head, but made no reply.

"Are you ready to recite your geography lesson?" continued the master.

"No, sir."

"Why do you not study it, then'"

"I don't feel like studying," replied Oscar.

"Very well," said the teacher, quite pleasantly; "if you don't feel
like it, you need n't study. You may come here."

Oscar stepped out to the platform on which the teacher's desk was
placed.

"There," continued the master, pointing to a blackboard facing the
school, "you may stand there and look at that board just as long as you
please. But you must not look at anything else, and I would advise you
not to let me catch your eyes turning either to the right or the left.
Now mind and keep your eyes on the board, and when you feel like