all the scholars had assembled, and it was
time to commence the studies of the day. This afforded fine sport to
the other boys, but Oscar did not much relish the fun, and he never
attempted to amuse himself in that way again.

[Illustration: Playing Schoolmaster]

I am sorry that this harmless piece of roguery is not the most serious
charge that candor obliges me to bring against Oscar. But to tell the
truth, he was not noted either for his studious habits or his correct
deportment; and there was very little prospect that he would be
considered a candidate for the "Franklin medals," which were to be
distributed to the most deserving members of his class, when they
graduated, the ensuing July. And yet Oscar was naturally a bright and
intelligent boy. He was quick to learn, when he applied himself; but
he was indolent, and did not like to take the trouble of studying his
lessons. Whenever he could be made to take hold of a lesson in
earnest, he soon mastered it; but the consciousness of this power often
led him to put off his lessons to the last minute, and then perhaps
something would happen to prevent his preparing himself at all.

A day or two after the "kitchen scene" described in the preceding
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
studying let me know."

Oscar took the position pointed out to him, wit