"But why?"
"Because we wanted you to lose a day at school. Aren't you ashamed to go to school every day so steadily? And then you are too studious. Why do you do it?"
"If I am studious what business is that of yours?"
"Why, it means a great deal to us, because it makes us look like bad boys in the eyes of the schoolmaster."
"Why?"
"Because the boys who study are always compared with those of us who do not, and we do not look well by comparison. That's all."
"And what should I do to satisfy you?"
"You must hate school, lessons, and schoolmaster, the three greatest enemies we boys have."
"And if I want study, what will you do?"
"We will wait our chance, and at the first opportunity we will pay you up."
"You make me laugh," said the marionette tossing his head.
