Baffled The Professor

A Young American Gets the Best of a Former Washtenaw Professor.

While Prof. E. T. Austin, superintendent of Owosso schools, and a former resident of Saline in this county, was making his daily rounds to several ward schools a few days ago, he passed through the Grand Trunk freight yards where an eastbound train was being made up, and perched on the top of the stock yard fence was a young lad, perhaps 12 years of age, puffing vigorously at a cigarette. Always mindful of his duty, the professor approached the lad, believing he had discovered timber out of which to make a lasting example to truants.

"Good afternoon, young man," said the superintendent.

"How old are you?"

" 'Bout 13."

"Do you ever go to school?"

"Yep."

"Why are you not in school today?"

" 'Cause I'm here."

"Did your teacher give you permission to go home?"

"Didn't ask her. Guess I'm my own boss."

The professor was somewhat nettled with the impudence of the lad, but contented himself with the thought that he would be made to see the error of his way in due season.

"What grade are you in?" the professor asked.

"Eighth," responded the lad.

"Emerson or Washington street school?"

"Neither one. Guess again."

"What school do you attend?" asked the professor, growing very red in the face.

"Buffalo, New York," responded the lad, as he slid from the fence and made for a box car in the train which was pulling out for the east. The professor continued his journey in silence.