Two little girls and one little boy, with blue-covered
books in their hands, went to a spot in front of the
teacher's desk and stood with their toes on a crack in
the floor. The little girls edged away from the boy
as far as they could while the master looked at them.
Little Bear was so much interested that he climbed
closer to the window.

"Open your books," said the schoolmaster.

The three opened their blue-covered books.

"Joan, you may read the lesson first, if you please."

So Joan read, "I--see--a-cat."

"Good!" said the master. "Mary, you may read."

"I-see-a-cat," read Mary. She knew every word
of that lesson.

"Now, Simon," spoke the master to the boy, "let
us hear you read."

Little Bear was sure that Simon did not know his
lesson. He was sure of it because Simon acted so
foolish and looked so unhappy. He stood on one foot

[Illustration: Little Bear leaned forward until his paws