He had brought himself to public scorn for lack of a word. What word? they asked

testily; but even now he could not tell. He had wanted a Scotch word that would

signify how many people were in church, and it was on the tip of his tongue, but

would come no farther. Puckle was nearly the word, but it did not mean so many

people as he meant. The hour had gone by just like winking; he had forgotten all

about time while searching his mind for the word.

 

* * * * *

 

The other five [examiners] were furious.... "You little tattie doolie," Cathro

roared, "were there not a dozen words to wile from if you had an ill-will to

puckle? What ailed you at manzy, or--"

 

"I thought of manzy," replied Tommy, woefully, for he was ashamed of himself,

"but--but a manzy's a swarm. It would mean that the folk in the kirk were

buzzing thegither like bees, instead of sitting still."

 

"Even if it does mean that," said Mr. Duthie, with impatience, "what was the

need of being so particular? Surely the art of essay-writing consists in using

the first word that comes and hurrying on."

 

"That's how I did," said the proud McLauchlan [Tommy's successful

competitor]....

 

"I see," interposed Mr. Gloag, "that McLauchlan speaks of there being a mask of