Chapter Three : First Day
''So , what's the teacher like , Dan''? ; Michael asked as he , Dan , Rosie , Nan , and Bess walked to the school-room. Franz is real nice , and he's a good teacher , Mike ; Dan replied. Just so you know , Franz is'nt the kind of teacher that'll hit you with a ruler if you make a mistake ; Dan said. Mrs. Jo does'nt allow that kinda' thing here ; Dan added. Thanks for telling me that , Dan ; Michael replied. Plumfield's not like any other school out there , and I have a feeling that you and Rosie'll fit in just fine ; Dan said , flashing them both a friendly smile. Thanks , Dan , from both of us ; Rosie said , smiling at their new friend as they entered the school-room.
Seeing Dan coming with the new students , Franz walked up to them. Hey , Franz , sorry we're late ; Dan said. Nonsense , you're right on time , Dan ; Franz said. Go on and take your seats , everyone ; Franz said. Sure , Franz ; Nan said as she and Dan went to their seats. And you two must be my new students ; Franz said , smiling at Michael and Rosie. Yes sir , I'm Michael Donnell ; the boy said. And I'm Rosie , his sister ; Rosie piped up. I'm pleased to meet you both ; Franz said. Would you like to come and meet the rest of your new classmates? ; Franz asked , gesturing to his desk in front of the black-board.
My brother and I would like that very much , sir ; Rosie replied. Please , step this way , then ; Franz said , motioning them to follow him. Taking out his roll-book , Franz asked ; ''Could I have your full names and ages , please''? ; Franz asked. I'm Michael James Donnell , and I'm sixteen years old , and most people call me Mike ; he finished , flashing a smile so like Dan's that Franz could'nt help but notice. And I'm Rose Frances Donnell , and everyone calls me Rosie ; Rosie said , smiling brightly. And how old are you , Rosie ? ; Franz asked. I'm fifteen years old ; Rosie replied. And how much schooling have you both had , Mike ? ; Franz asked. I can read and write , and do sums fairly well ; Michael replied.
And so can I ; Rosie said. Thank you for telling me ; Franz said , writing the information in his book. Standing next to Michael and Rosie , Franz said ; ''For those of you who have'nt met our new students , this is Michael Donnell and his sister Rosie'' ; Franz finished. Hi , Michael , hi , Rosie ! ; came a chorus of friendly voices from the school-room. Hi , everyone ; Michael said. Now , let's find you both a seat , Mike ;Franz said. Mike , you can sit behind Dan , and Rosie , you can sit behind Nan ; Franz said. Thanks very much ; Michael said as he and Rosie went to their assigned seats.
Now , class , where were we ? ; Franz said as Michael and Rosie slid in beside Dan and Nan. I see you two finally made it through all of Franz's questions , Mike ; Dan whispered. Yep , we did , Dan; Michael said. How old are you , Dan ? ; Michael whispered. I'm fifteen ; Dan whispered back. You and Rosie wanna' go fishing with Nat and Nan and me after school , Mike ? ; Dan whispered. Yeah sure , Dan ; Michael whispered. And now , I think we'd better pay attention to the lesson , Dan ; Michael whispered. Sure , Mike ; Dan joked as Franz continued on about multiplication problems.