Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-03-28

timid applicant, anxious to be free from such
dangerous surroundings. Just as he was con-
graduating himself upon his success, and was
about turning away, rapid whispered volley
of words ratified past his ears. He knew the
source from whence they came as well as did
every scholar that heard them. He could not
pass thoughtlessly along.
The dread alarm had come with such a sud-
den distinctness as to surprise him into an in
voluntary start. Every pair of eyes were turn
ed inquiringly and curiously to his face. He
was forced into doing his duty. The heavy
beard about his mouth was friendly to him
then, for it covered suspicious pallor that
settled there as he turned about and rested his
eyes sternly upon the blushing, pquant face
of Anna Hawkes.. She was the picture of in
noeence just then, with her brown lashes
dropped low upon her cheeks, and the pearly
white teeth crushed cruelty down upon the
crimson of her lips.
ssMss Hawkes., can you tell me who whis-
pered few moments since ?''
eyes, SIR"
The white lids were thrown wide open, and
tie clear eye fixed firmly upon his own.
"Who 7''
81, sir.'
"Will you oblige me by stepping this way
moment?''
He led the way out on the floor.
eyes sir, certainly
She followed him promptly, pausing beside
the desk and resting one hand prettily upon
it's top.
'I suppose you listened to my rule this
morning ?''
eyes, sr.''
'sYou understood it, too, doubtless 20
eyes, sir, perfectly
Misunderstanding it perfectly, then, you have
| been pleased to break it. Can you name my
| duty 7''
s'It does not admit of a question. Ferule
me, sr.' She commenced drawing slender
gold ring from her left hand. ssThis hand ?,'
she asked suddenly, looking up in his face.
ave have plenty of time Miss Hawkes.; do
not hurry he said, evading her question. 81
have something to say to you.''
She leaned her elbow upon the desk, and
her burning face upon her hand. ssI shall be
happy to listen to you,'' she said.
'sI will trouble you but moment, only to
say that regret more than am. able to ex-,
press, that scholar whom have endcav vored,
to treat with uniform courtesy and respect,
and in whose advancement had felt lively
interest, should by so glarng misdemeanor,
such an utter contempt OF my wishes, avow
disregard for me teacher and a friend.
Such display is unpleasant enough if a mere
child wilfully breaks the rules of a school, but
when instead, young gentleman or lady so
far forgets him or herself, il is intensely pain
ful. assure you that | deeply regret this.'' y
Anna bowed gracefully as Mr.. Stone ceased
speaking. Again her white teeth were dented
into her lip, while the brown lashes trembled
close upon the burning red of her cheeks.
"Your hand, if you please.'
The little white hand was reached forth as
If it were to receive caress instead of blow.
AS it lay so tenderly and trustingly upon the
broad hand Of the teacher; he inwardly ours
ed his stars. He called himself BRUTE a ty-
rant, knave, monster. He had a mind to
get down on his knees and pray for big
mouthed earthquake to come and swallow him;
for sudden flash of lightning Gin the winter
time) to melt him into nonenity for whirl-
wind to sweep him with its rapid, rushing
winds from the face of the earth. Strike that
little dimpled hand with a cruel two-inch rule?
He had rather cover, aye, blister it with kiss
es, instead. 1t trem6led within his grasp, and
about the mouth of the owner little white
line was islanding the redness of her lips. He
thought he'd kneel before her, and ask her
to give the pale prisoner entirely to him. 1t
would be bis hand then, and no one could
blame him for not wishing to injure his own
property. A thought struck him. He might
strike his own hand instead of Annals. He
could shield her and take the blow himself.
He was in a mood for cracking every knuckle
that he owned. He raised his ruler. Anna
raised her eyes to his face. His fixed deter
mined expression startled her. She would
bear the blow without starting, she thought,
but o, she would hate him hate him, hate him,
as long as she lived! AS the thought passed
through her mind,a gay, dashing sleigh, drawn
by pair of fine horses came rapidly up to the
school house door.
Lucky, lucky Mr.. Stone; the rule fell harm
lessly on the fair rosy palm of Anna, and he
turned his eyes toward the window, and ex-
claimed hurriedy
stThe committee, Miss Hawkes. You can
take your seat now but remain tonight after
school. Even for this interruption should
not feel justified in letting the affair pass.''
s'The last committee man upon earth that
would care TO see," exclaimed Mr.. Stone to
himself, as he bowed low before the pompous
young gentleman, known by the cognome1 of
Dr. Wesley Barker, who raped with his whip
upon the door-sad young gentleman being
one OF wealth and education. But the teach
er did not care fig for his wealth-he did not
envy him-or anything for his education-his
own was quite equal TO it. But what he did
care for was, that DR.. Barker was great ad-
mrer of Anna Hawkes., and in the present
state of affairs he did not care about having
rivals around. Everything went on smoothly
during school hours, as it always did during
the visits of the several committees, but the
school was dismissed, DIR. Barker
stalked across the school-room floor, and up to
Anna Hawkes. seat. Mr.. Stone bit his lips
with vexation. His rival made his appearance
quite in the nick of time. He despised mean
illness heartily, denounced it, but now in spite
of himself, he stood and listened eagerly to
catch the few words that dropped from DR..
Barker's and Annals lips.
ssI'll ask Mr.. Stone to excuse me,'' he heard
Anna say.
ssWhich of course he will do,'' replied DR..
Barker.
81 am not SO certain" was the smiling re-
ply, as she darted towards his desk.
II hope you wil pardon mo for daring to !