Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1861-09-05
AN oLD-TIME sCHooL-MAsTER.
A LAUeHABLE YARN.

There are many persons now residing
in Philadelphia, who remembering back
some thirty years, can recall the honest
face Of sturdy pedagogue from North
of ireland, by the name of W, a
stern diciplinarian Of the old school, who
believed that learning as often went in
with a "thwack" as an inclination.-
Among the pupils of honest old W
was one who has since arisen to some
distinction, but who during his school
boy days" was generally regarded as q
thick-headed lazy fellow, and as sure to
get old W-'s attention in the "warm-
ing ways" every enthusiastically.
One day when Johnny had forgotten
to study his lesson as usual, the old DOM
inie blandly requested him to take his
place on the floor, as he had a few words
which he wished to say to him. John
ny of course stepped out with fear and
trembling, and was greatly astonished
to hear the stern teacher address him in
a kind and gentle tone.
johnny, my son." said W,
"ye're Of good family. so you are. "
Johnny who was expecting pretty
severe punishment. and had already be-
gun to whine and dig his knuckles into
his eyes, looked up in the greatest sur
prise.
81 say. Johnny" pursued the DOM
inie, "you're of a good family-d 'ye
understand"
"Ah, thank you, sir!' replied the lad
with an air Of confidence.
"Yes. Johnny, 1 repeat, ye're of a
good family, as good a family as my
own. l knew your father, Johnny, in
the ould country and this, as lad and
a man-and an honesler lad and man.
Johnny, l never knew syther side Of
the big deep"
"Thank you. sir!' said Johnny, with
a pleasant smile, and furtive glance of
triumph at some of his playmates.
"And knew your mother, too. John
ny; and dear sweet little girl she was
afore she grew up and married your
father, Johnny; and after thst she was
blessed wife. and as kind hearted and
lovely mother and mistress Of fam
lily, Johnny. as ever left the blessed
shores of ould Ireland"
Eyes, sir-Oh, thank you, sirl" res
ponded the delighted Johnny.
"Ah, Johnny. your father and mother
and myself have seen some happy days
across the great seasl" sighed the SEN
timental school master; "days that I'm
knowing now will never return TO me
again. And then your sisters, John
ny-you've got fine sisters, too. that l
have known since they were toddliDgs,
and which same now are ornaments to
my society, Johnny"
"Oh. sir, | am much obliged to you!"
responded the happy pupil. scarcely
knowing how to express the JOY he felt
at finding himself such favorite with
his heretofore stern master.
"And then there is yourself, Johnny,
that I've known ever since your birth
the son of nay old friends and compan-
ions of.me youth"
"Oh, thank you, sir!'
"Ah, yes Johnny" went on the dom
inie, with somewhat Of a groan, and
some slight indication Of tears, otis the
whole blessed family 1 have known so
long. so well, and so favorably, Johnny;
and now that l look back with pride on
these same by gone "reminiscences, l
think 1 wouldn't be doing justice to
your noble father, your kind mother.
and your lovely sisters. nor to myself
and the rest Of mankind, il were to let
such large good-for-nothing rascal go
without a good thwacking. Hould out
your hand, Johnny; hould out your
hand, you young rascall'
And before poor Johnny had time to
recover from his astonishment, he found
himself in the process of thwacking
that he never forgot to his dying day
Illinois Teacher.