They were all very good, for the writers were allowed to consult books, and even get help from others. The story had to be told in their own language.
Bob noticed that Ned was absent. When Jed Burr's turn came, the bully stood up in his usual bold way, and began drawling out the contents of the written paper in his hand.
Even Bob had to confess to himself that Jed's paper was very fine. It told things about Ceylon that the other boys had not mentioned. Jed read about the wonderful tricks of the elephants in that country.
As he did this. Bob noticed the English artist straighten up, fix his eye-glass, and stare at Jed. He was sure he heard the artist speak the words:
"Ah, extrawordinary, you know!"
When Jed told of how the women of Ceylon worked, carrying great loads on their backs, the artist said, under his breath:
"I say, remawkable!"
This puzzled Bob, for the artist kept staring hard at Jed, and rubbing his head, as if something had happened that he could not understand.
When recess came the artist went up to Miss Williams. Bob noticed that he spoke to her quite seriously. Most of the scholars had gone out onto the playground, and Bob was about to join them, when the teacher said:
"Will you come here for a moment, Bob?"
"Yes, Miss Williams," he replied, going up to her desk.
"Have you seen Ned Thomas to-day?" asked Miss Williams.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Do you know what kept him from school?"
"I think I half know. Miss Williams, but I don't care to say anything about it."
