Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-07-20
DEATH IN A SCHOOL ROOM.
A SKETCH FROM LIFE.


earlier part of the day were about half
completed. 1t was well understood that
this was the command for silence and
attention and when these had been
obtained, the master spoke. He was
low, thick set man, and his name was
Lugare.
BOYS said he, i have a complaint
entered. Last night some of you were
stealing fruit from Mr.. Nichols garden.
rather think know the thief. Tim
Baker, step up here, SIR
The one to whom he spoke came
forward. He was slight, fair looking
boy, about fourteen, and his face had d
laughing good humored expression, which
even the charge now preferred against
him, and the stern tone and the threat
ening look of the teachers had not entire
ly diSsipaled. The countenance OF the
boy, however was too unearthly fair for
health. Ithad, notwithstanding its fieshy,
cheerful look, singular cast, as if some
inward disease, and that fearful one,
was settled within. As the STRIPPING
stood before that place of judgment that
place SO often made the scene Of heart
less and coarse brutality, Of tiulid inno-
cence, confused, helpless childhood out
ragged and gentle feelings crushed, Lugare
looked on him with q frowR, which
plainly told that he felt in nc very
pleasant mood. Happily worthier and
more philosophical system is proving to
men that schools can be better governed
than by lashes, and tears and sighs. We
are fast waxing towards the consummstion
when the old fashioned shool master, with
his cow-hide, birch rod, and his many in
genious methods of child-tegtQCe, will be
gazed upon as sacred memento ofan ig-
norant, cruel, and exploded doctrine
May propitious gales speed the day!
Were you in Mr.. Nichols garden
last night?' asked Lugare.
yes, sir answered the boy, l was.
We'll, sir, I'm glad to find you SC
ready with your confession. And SO you
thought you could do little robbing, ant
enjoy yourself in manner you ought te
be ashamed to ewE, without being pun
ished did you:'
Il have not been robbing,' replied th'
boy quickly. His face Was sutfused
whether with resentment or fright, 1t wa
difficult to tell; and didn't do anything
last night that I'm ashamed to own
No impudence, exclaimed the teach
er passionately as he grasped long AM
heavy rattan; give me none OF you
smart speeches, or I'll thrash you till yoI
beg like dog
The youngsters face paled little, hi
lip quivered but he did not speak.
And pray, SIR continued Lugare, a
the outward signs of wrath disappeare
from his features, what were you abou
the garden for? Perhaps you only re
ceived the plunder, and had an accom-
plice to do the most dangerous part {
the job"
i first went that way because it wa
on my way home. ] was there agai
afterward, to meet an acquaintance, an
-and-but did not go into the gardel
nor take anything away from it. / woul
not steal, hardly to save myself frol
starving.
iYuu had better stuck to that la
night. You were seen, Tim Baker,
come from under Mr.. Nichols garde
fence little after seven o'clock, with
bag full of something or other over yor
shoulders. The bag had every appea
ance of being filed with fruit, and th
morning the melon beds were found
have been completely cleared
Like fire itself glowed the cheeks
the detected lad. He spoke not wor
All The school had their eyes directed
him. The perspiratiOn ran down
Speak sir?' exclaimed Lugare, wi
a loud strike of his rattan on the desk.
The boy looked as though he wou
faint, but the unmerciful teacher, con
dent of having brought to light the cri
inal, ard exulting in the idea of seve
chastisement he should now be justifi
10 inficting, kept working himself up
a still greater degree of passion. In
meantime the child seemed hardly
know what to do with himself. I
tongue Glove to the roof of his mouth,
Either ne was very much frightened
be was actually unwelL
Speak, say again Numbered
gare, and his hand grasping his ratt
lowered above his head in very sign