The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-02-19

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you. job" said he sternly. "do you behave
yourself If the schoolmarm isn't good
for nothing. 'twon't be no excuse for YOU"
Job was nobly formed, dark-eyed boy,
but hE uncombed hair betrayed the negli-
gence Of his habits, and though his face
was somewhat smutty, it was not wanting
in intelligence.
"Halloo, there, Bill Larkins," cried he,
shave you seen our new schoolmarm?"
'No aint, have you?v
"No, but old Goodwell has, and he says
she is nothing but baby; that we shall
put her out doors before the week is up,
and have broken school,"
I" Is that fact, Job?"
:" Ha! 'taint nothin else, and off they
went swinging their hats, and shouting,
1--WE are the boys for fun!''
Long before the school hour, every boy
belonging to the district had been made
acquainted with what farmer Goodwill had
said, and many mischieyous plot had
been laid by the rude urchins.
Annie's heart sunk within her at the
sound OF their boisterous mirth, but she
knew nothing Of what had occurred. With
all her gentleness and delicacy she pos
sessed keen vision, a sound mind, and
strength of resolution seldom exceeded by
her sex. With the dignity Of matron,
she stepped to the platform, rung her little
bell, and instantly the door was burst open,
and Bill Larkins was thrust in, with such
violence that he was prostrated on the
floor, and Immediately after, some half
dozen others fell over him.
"Good morning, young gentlemen"
said Annie, in her sweetest tones, while
she fixed her mild blue eyes upon them.
am glad to see you, but sorry for the ac-
cident, and hope none Of you are hurt"
Atthe sound other gentle, musical voice,
the noise ceased; each boy, as if instinct
lively, rose, took off his hat, and stood
gazing at her.
"Then none Of you have received iniu-
ry, it appears" she continued, in voice
which spoke relief from great apparent
anxiety, "and you will be kind enough to
leave your hats in the entry"
The boys, without venturing look at
each other, did as they were desired, and
quietly seated themselves. y
"And now, young gentlemen, u" contn.
ued Annie, with the greatest Difference,
"you are strangers to me, yet have fa-
vor to ask, which is, that you will assist
me in maintaining order in school. | did
not expect the pleasure of meeting those Of
your ages, and | anticipated some trouble
with the younger ones, yet with your as
sistance, | think we shall succeed in being
very happy here, and our happiness as
well as progress depends upon our sue
cess in maintaining order. | will pledge
myself to do all in my power to prevent
the younger members of the school dis.
turbing you in your studies; and read in
your Intelligent faces that you will do all
you can to oblige me-"
While reading a portion of the scrip.
lures, not sound could be heard save her
own impressive voice. She however OBJ.
served that the boys, ever and anon, cast
uneasy glances at each other, and then in
the direction of the door. She was not
long in doubt as TO the cause, for soon
tall, spare looking boy, whose eyes, though
light, bespoke mirth and mischief, walked
into the room, followed closely by a large
watch dog. On his head he wore large
paper cap, with one peacock's feather
towering from the top. His hair was combed
straight down to his brows, the legs of his
trowsers were crowded far down into the
top Of his boots, and his hands were thrust
deep into his pockets. The girls and
younger boys could not refrain merry
laugh at his ludicrous appearance, and
some even clapped their hands.
Mike Hastings. for that was his name,
looked at his accomplices, but they did not
greet him as he had expected, but seemed
trying to avoid him, while some faces were
pale, and others flushed with modification
and shame.
Apleasant smile played around Annie's
mouth, and when the noise had abated,
she quietly said, "Young friend'-
"Hey," drawled out Mike.
As he turned toward her, and her eye
for the first time met his own, he was some-
what disconnected, and considering the
unexpected turn Of affairs, he would have
gladly made his escape. His eyes dropped,
and then his head, but Annie, apparently
needless Of his humbled appearance, con-.
tinued: saa !.
81 am sorry you were not in season for
our first exercises, though you are quite
excusable, for l presume you are not &C.
customed to attending school, or you would
have left that fine looking dog at home.
You will, however, soon learn our regula-
tions, and your favorite will also learn to
be contented without his master, during
the few hours that we spend here. The
young gentlemen have left their hats in
the entry; you will please do the same.
Mike hesitated but moment, and then
with low whistle for his dog, he left the
room in quite different manner from the
one with which he entered it. He rushed
from, the houae and w;fhout v.nt,,rin N n on a