It came from Benjamin Nushmutt
132
"How about you?" said Miss Nogard, looking right at him.

Just don\'t ask me my name, thought Benjamin. I never can say my name in front of people. He took a breath to steady himself. "Well, we\'ve been reading-"

"First tell me your name," Miss Nogard said sweetly.

The muscles in Benjamin\'s face tightened. He concentrated real hard, then said, "Benjamin Nushmutt."

"I beg your pardon?" said Miss Nogard.

"Benjamin Nushmutt," he repeated.

"Henderson Schmidt?" asked Miss Nogard.

Benjamin sighed. "Ben-ja-min Nush! Mutt!" he shouted.

"I\'m sorry," said Miss Nogard. "I must have been distracted. What did you say?"

Benjamin pressed his lips together. He tried to speak............