Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1841-08-24
From The Democratic Rer,eio.
DEATH IN THE SCHOOL ROOM.

TACT
-LING-fING,-- went the little bell
on the teachers desk of village school one
morning, when the studies of the early part of
the dny were about half completed. 1t was
well understood that this was a command for
silence and attention; and when these had
been obtained, the master spoke. He was a
low thick set man, and his name was Lugare.
Boys said he, i have had a complaint en-
tered, that last night some of YOU were steal
ing fruit from Mr. Nichols garden. rather
think know the thief Tim Barker, step up
here, sir
The one to whom he spoke, came forward.
He was slight, fair-looking boy ofabout If.
and his face had laughing good .humored
expression, which even the charge now pre-
ierred against him, and the stern tone and
Threatening look of the teacher had not entire
~ dsslpated. The counteAancc of the bow.
however, was too uncarhly fair for health il
had, Notwithstanding its heshy cheerful look.
singular cast as if some inward disease, and
that fearful one, was seated within. As the
STRIPPING stood before that place of Judgment,
that place so often made the scene OF heart
less and coarse brutality, of timd innocence
confused, helpless childhood outraged and
gentle feelings crushed-Lugere looked on
him with iiown which plainly told that he
ielt IN no very pleasant mood. Happily, a
worthlerandmore philosophical system is prov
ing to men that schools can be better govern.
ed THAI by oshes and tears and signs. We
are waxing toward that contamination when
one OF the old fashioned school-mastcrs, with
his cowhde, his heavy birch rod, and his ma
ny lngenous methods Of child-torture, will be
gazed upon as scorned mcmcnto Of an ignor-
ant cruel and exploded doctrine.
We're you by Mr.. Nichos's garden fence
last nght?' said Lugarc.
! Yes answered the boy, . | was
/ Well, sir, I'm glad TO find you so ready
with your confession. And so you thought
you could do little robbing, and enjoy your,
sell IN manner you ought 10 be ashamed to
own. without being punished, did you ?
| have not been robbing,' replied the boy
quickly. Ills face was suiiuscG, whether with
resentment or fright, it was difficult T. tell
/ And | didn't do any thing last night that
am ashamed to own
Ne impudencer exclaimed the teacher,
passIohately, as he grasped long and heavy
rattan; give me none Of your sharp speeches
or I'll thrash you till you beg like a dog
The youngsters face paled little; his lip
Guircrcd, but he did not speak.
And pray, SIR continued Lugare, as the
outward signs of wrath disappeared from his
features; what were you about the garden
for: Perhaps you only received the plumber
and had an accomplce TO do the more Danger
Gus part Of the Job =
i went that way because it is on my road
home. was there again aftcrward to NEE,
an acquaintance; and and But did moi
90 into the garden, nor take any thing ava,
from it. | would not steal hardly to save
myself from starving,
You had better have stuck to that last even.
ing. You were seen, Tim Barker, to come
from under Mr.. Nchols's fence, a Ia,
tie after nine O'Clock with bag foil of some,
thing or other, over your shoulders. The bag
bad every appearance Of being filled wit
fruit, and tins morning the melon beds mr.,
found to have been completely cleared Now
sir, what was there ia that bagr'
Like ire itself glowcd the face Of the detect
ed lad. He spoke not word. All the scho1
had their eyes directed at him The pcrspira
ton ran down his white forehead like rain
drops.
Speak sir " exclaimed Lugarc, with a LOUD
strike oihis rattan on hi, desk.
The boy looked as though he would faint
But the unmcrciui teacher, confident Of hay
ing drought 10 IGIt criminal, ana cNuliul
ia the idea OF the severe chastisemcnt b,
should now be justified m infilcung. KEEP
working himself up to a still greater degree o
passion. Ia the meantime the child seemed
hardly 10 know What to Do with himself H.
tongue cleayed 10 the roof Of hls mouth. r.
Their be was very much frightened. or he wa
actually unwcll.
Speak, say again Numbered Lucarc
and his hand, grasplsg his rattan. toacrc,
above hls head ln a very significant manner.
. j hardly can, sir said the poor fellow faint
ly. HIS voice was husky and thick. / wiI
tell You somc-sOmc other TINE. Please 10 a.
, me 20 TO my seat ant we'll
Oh yes lAals very hAeiy;' and Sir. La
y eare buIged out bis nose aud cheeks with con
, tempt. Do YOU think 10 make me believe
,--r l.- Ie f.. g es' ,- -i'