nt high cost of living. She might be
the one," he admitted.

"Always the way," his companion said sharply. "There are more epidemics
and near epidemics started by these itinerant washerwomen than the
medical journals can keep track of. They ought to be regulated."

"At any rate," said the principal, "I think it would be wise to question
her a little before steps are taken to close the school. She may be able
to shed some light on matters."

"As you wish." The physician shrugged his shoulders. "I'll be back, this
afternoon, to help with the inquisition."

Next to children, the gray-haired man loved flowers, and he had planted
the barren strip of land adjoining the fence separating the school yard
from the alley with cannas and elephant's ears. He was puttering among
them, now seeking voracious parasites, now examining a leaf which hinted
in its faded coloring of fast approaching frosts, when boys' voices
coming from the alley, held his attention.

"So you want a holiday?" John Fletcher was the speaker beyond doubt; and
his case had been the forerunner of the epidemic.

"Uhu."

"Got your nickel?"

"Show me how, first."

A moment's silence. John was examining the seeker after advice.

"Just want this afternoon?"

The boy assented.

"Better have the measles, then. That's only good for one day, 'cause you
can't fake it much longer. The disease comes on too fast. Doctor's book
says so. Now pay attention."

"Yes."

"Just before you go to school, shake some red pepper into your hand and
go into a small closet. Shut the door so's none of the stuff can get
out, and blow on it. Stay there until your eyes begin to smart. You'll
find they're all red. That's the first symptom. Now repeat what I told
you."

His pupil obeyed.

"Let Miss Brown take a good look and she'll send you to the doctor right
away. When you come into the office, give a little cough as if your
throat hurt. Let's hear you."

The urchin hacked vigorously.

"No, no, not so loud! You couldn't do that if your throat hurt as much
as you must pretend it does. Try again."

This time, the effort satisfied even the teacher's critical ear.

"Then, when the doctor asks what's the matter, tell him you don't
exactly know; that your head feels sort of queer, and you were all hot
when you woke up this morning. He'll say 'Measles' and order you 'home
until the case develops,'" quoting the physician's words at his own
dismissal. "Now give me the nickel."