Stopped, it stayed stopped, and backing off granted no new impetus, though he tried, again and again.

"Hath this extent no more rude am I in speech--" He gulped audibly.

"Rude rude rude am I--rude am I in speech--in speech--in speech.

Rude am I in speech--" "Yes," the irritated teacher said, as Ramsey's failing voice continued huskily to insist upon this point.

"I think you are!" And her nerves were a little soothed by the shout of laughter from the school--it was never difficult for teachers to be witty.