The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1862-09-27
for the galls 9elks,
LAZY STEPHEN.

Books were distributed, scholars
commenced their studies, but Grace
took no more notice Of Stephen
Wright, bat perceived that he &C.
cupied himself in catching lies and
uIIing of their wings. and torment
,ng scholars who sat near him. TIVE
little boys complained that he had
stuck pins in their bOots, and was
constantly pricklny them; another
complained that he had stuck pins
in the benches; all kinds Of tricks
were played by him; and when he
was tired he laid his head down upon
the desk and went sound asleep.
Grace proceeded hopefully with
the rest; few sullen spirits at first
refused obedience, but when they
found that the spirit OF the school
was with the new teacher, they be.
came ashamed, and one by one laid
down their weapons Of rebellion
She walked among them with such
self.reliant manner, and was SD full
" prepared to teach what she pro-
iessed, that a feeling oi respect was
rapidly expeIIing the demon OF in
subordination.
But Grace had not forgotten
Stephen; when recess arrived, she
seated herself by his side. He had
just awoke with a yawn, and was
stitching OF, his limbs and arousing
him 'eli Tor play. THIS wise young
teacher was determined to ihaw the
ice; bat not a word about books. stud
les, or school was to be preached
that day. She had made up her mind
that all snch proposition should come
from, him, and she was sure that
Stephen would come and ask for en-
ployment at last.
Are you fond Of fishing, StePh-
en-" asked Grace, giving her FIRST tap
on the shell Of his sullenness.
He started, aud turned, surprised,
TO look at her; for, in former days,
he was never spoken to by teachers
bat in tones OF reproo!, or else not
noticed at all. Seeing that she real
~ Wore kind expression, the shell
slightly yielded. and he answered:
yes, like il when the fish bites; but
IT'S awful stupid when the fish are
sleepy" a
Stephen relapsed again into sullen-
ness, AID turned his head awiv.
Anoth r tap with her magic wand
as sac said: "Where is the best Fl III.
ing ground on the creek. Stephen!"
and Grace sli Chilly laughed.
Stephen impatieatly shook of the
hand that so gently touched hi
shoulder. Grace was not discour-
aged. Another tap on the shell.
81 think you might tell ms, Sleph-
en-; I'm stranger here, and do
really like to fish,"
swell, then. just down under the
big tree; there's a heap of fish caught
there some TINES" "Why. Stephen,
there are 50 many big trees there,
that it wouIi BE- very hard matter
for me 70 fad the place. Won't
yOa ro v ms dowa ther. next satur-
day afterao,n, Stephens
rhs she'll wa, fairly broken. as he
answered, amazed: "Nhy. yes. il
yol'il 60 with a Teller that has such
a bal nam.!" -
"l'm not afraid. Stephen. know
that y,a love that old dog by the
doaT All ! .lol't believe that you'll
treat any ois b,iIy that is kind To
yoa." sail Grace.
Stephen turned a way to hide his
face, G.a:. GU Al SC ,r:s!y tell wiz.
but she ti,l.it t,it she 81 v work
ing arolll nj: m,ltl,, AL ,he WI
sure that he rubbed hi; coat slee.e
OTer his rblyh lace. Observing
that he hal no lunch, she n IRE
hers with ths boz, who seen.l a
most chpkei wien he tried t. Ell
tn. nice light bi .cuit.
81, thu. volr ID Z" inlnirei Grlc., |
"a N. Old dog raojel hi; heal a.
sainst the boy. who patiei the dog
kindly in return
"S,ne Teller, were abusing him
one dag. and took his part, and
bouni 10 his broken le.: ever siace
TINT day he has been my frienl, and
follow; me 10 scl,col. every dav. Oh
Prince is the only friend l'se got.
AMI VS. think 4 heap o. each "t ,er."
"rhat need not be so. Siephen;i
you might have plenty of friends,
il you'd only try to do right" ans
wered Grace. |
''lt's No use; I've tried many a
time. and becau e did not do things
rs other boys. | never got any word
bnt'lazv.'ani,gnoi-i"r-nothing from
every bpiy. even whea tried the
hardest. I've given up. long ago.
They've often called me devil, aud
l don't care II | am one now"
"Ba', Stephen, you're not going
to he one. I'm sure that you'll try
., L. .:.ls f.. |