In the evening we are going to have some fun , when we can laugh as much as we please without breaking any of the rules . In Ben 's name I invite you , and hope you will all come , for we mean to make this the happiest birthday he ever had . '' There were twenty pupils in the room , but the eighty hands and feet made such a racket at this announcement that an outsider would have thought a hundred children , at least , must have been at it . Miss Celia was a general favorite because she nodded to all the girls , called the boys by their last names , even addressing some of the largest as `` Mr. '' which won their hearts at once , so that if she had invited them all to come and be whipped they would have gone sure that it was some delightful joke . With what eagerness they accepted the present invitation one can easily imagine , though they never guessed why she gave it in that way , and Ben 's face was a sight to see , he was so pleased and proud at the honor done him that he did not know where to look , and was glad to rush out with the other boys and vent his emotions in whoops of delight . He knew that some little plot was being concocted for his birthday , but never dreamed of any thing so grand as asking the whole school , Teacher and all . The effect of the invitation was seen with comical rapidity , for the boys became overpowering in their friendly attentions to Ben . Even Sam , fearing he might be left out , promptly offered the peaceful olive-branch in the shape of a big apple , warm from his pocket , and Mose proposed a trade of jack-knives which would be greatly to Ben 's advantage . But Thorny made the noblest sacrifice of all , for he said to his sister , as they walked home together , -- `` I 'm not going to try for the prize at all . I shoot so much better than the rest , having had more practice , you know , that it is hardly fair . Ben and Billy are next best , and about even , for Ben 's strong wrist makes up for Billy 's true eye , and both want to win . If I am out of the way Ben stands a good chance , for the other fellows do n't amount to much . '' `` Bab does ; she shoots nearly as well as Ben , and wants to win even more than he or Billy . She must have her chance at any rate . '' `` So she may , but she wo n't do any thing ; girls ca n't , though it 's good exercise and pleases them to try . '' `` If I had full use of both my arms I 'd show you that girls can do a great deal when they like . Do n't be too lofty , young man , for you may have to come down , '' laughed Miss Celia , amused by his airs . `` No fear , '' and Thorny calmly departed to set his targets for Ben 's practice . `` We shall see , '' and from that moment Miss Celia made Bab her especial pupil , feeling that a little lesson would be good for Mr. Thorny , who rather lorded it over the other young people . There was a spice of mischief in it , for Miss Celia was very young at heart , in spite of her twenty-four years , and she was bound to see that her side had a fair chance , believing that girls can do whatever they are willing to strive patiently and wisely for .
So she kept Bab at work early and late , giving her all the hints and help she could with only one efficient hand , and XXXXX was delighted to think she did well enough to shoot with the club .
Bab Ben Billy Celia Mose Sam Teacher Thorny left years