Funny insects moths were! I wondered if the doctor used to collect them when he was a boy.

The doctor must be nearly sixty now.
Jolly to be a doctor, and have nothing to do but examine fellows! I wondered if Walker's father had written him a letter, and what sort of nib he (Walker) must be writing with, with such a peculiar squeak-- rather like a frog's squeak.

I wouldn't mind being a frog for some things; must be jolly to be equally at home on dry ground or in water! Fancy eating frogs! Our French master was getting more short-tempered than ever.
And so I rambled on, while the paper in front of me remained empty.
The inspirations never came.

The hours whizzed past, and my penholder was nibbled half away.

In vain I searched the ceilings, and my thumb- nails; they gave me no help.