Nate blames his fortune for his bad luck day, and his friends tease him again. Francis points out that Nate still has an opportunity to fulfill his fortune in science class. Nate is doubtful as “nothing good ever happens in science” (178). Nate believes this is due to their teacher, Mr. Galvin, having no sense of humor. Throughout the history of P.S. 38, no one has a record of Mr. Galvin laughing. At this point, Nate has a revelation: He can achieve his fortune by making Mr. Galvin laugh. Francis points out that when he and Nate looked at old yearbooks, they found countless pictures, but not one of Mr. Galvin smiling. Francis states that if Mr. Galvin never even smiles, it would be impossible to make him laugh. Nate is undeterred.

Nate starts by placing pencils in his ears and nose. He greets Mr. Galvin like this but receives no reaction from the teacher. When Mr. Galvin tells the students to open their books, Nate interrupts him with a science joke. Mr. Galvin tells Nate to sit down. Nate gives Mr. Galvin one of his “Doctor Cesspool” comics. Mr. Galvin does not laugh. Instead, he confiscates Nate’s pen as they only use pencils in science class.