VI
Mr. ONeill is the master in the fourth class at school.We call him
Dotty because hes small like a dot. He teaches in the one classroom
with a platform so that he can stand above us and threaten us with
his ash plant and peel his apple for all to see.The first day of school in
September he writes on the blackboard three words which are to stay
there the rest of the year, Euclid, geometry, idiot. He says if he catches
any boy interfering with these words that boy will go through the rest
of his life with one hand. He says anyone who doesnt understand
the theorems of Euclid is an idiot. Now, repeat after me, Anyone
who doesnt understand the theorems of Euclid is an idiot. Of course
we all know what an idiot is because thats what the masters keep telling
us we are.
Brendan Quigley raises his hand. Sir, whats a theorem and whats a
Euclid?
We expect Dotty to lash at Brendan the way all the masters do
when you ask them a question but he looks at Brendan with a little
smile. Ah, now, heres a boy with not one but two questions.What is
your name, boy?
Brendan Quigley, sir.
This is a boy who will go far.Where will he go, boys?
Far, sir.
Indeed and he will.The boy who wants to know something about
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