"Well, let's hear your excuse. It better be good."

I shifted from one foot to the other, "Well," I began, "It's sort of a long story."

Mr. Van Camp seemed to be shooting invisible daggers from his eyes, " Dont bore me with the details," He snapped, " Just tell me what happened."

"Well sir, I went for a walk this morning and tripped." I replied.

"Your homework isn't done because you tripped?" asked Mr. Van Camp.

I hesitated, "Yes, well no, sir. You see, after I tripped my essay flew out of my hand. It landed in a very muddy puddle, sir. A very muddy puddle indeed."

"So where is your essay now?"

"Not here i'm afraid, sir. Afterwards when I went to pick it up a dog grabbed it, I suppose he liked it so much he didn't want to let it go. I had to chase him all the way around the block."

''Okay i've heard enough-''

''Wait theres more! After I chased the dog and got my essay, the wind snatched it and threw it down a storm drain. Then there was no point in trying to get it.'' I said.

''Well,'' Said Mr.VanCamp,''That is quite a story.''