North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1863-02-25

as its got to be gone through with, don't
know bat it might as we'll be, first as last"
This was not very cordial reception, and
felt little uncomfortable, as Uncle Josh
ia took off my trunk, and conveyed it into
the house.
"We hain't no spare room, Miss What's
your name," proceeded my hostess, but I
guess you can sleep between Roxana and
Hannah Jane. You amt any of you very
big"
These two girls were about ten years of
age, and stood by with dirty faces and dis
heveled hair.
groaned inwardly at the idea of sleeping
three in bed with such companions, but
| thought it would be Of no use to remonstrate
| AT last, quarter Of nine came, and | start
ed with the two girls who were to be my
scholars, for the school house. Instead of
an elegant rustic building, found myself
| approaching dilapidated edifce-which had
formerly been a shoe shop but had been
bought cheap for the use Of the district
Some of the window panes had been broken
and their places supplied with old hats and
other equally elegant substitutes.
a disorderly group were standing in front
of the building.
"There'S the school ma am" shouted one,
and after q prolonged stare which confused
| me somewhat, they rushed unanimously in
to the school house. followed them with
as much dignity as ! could assume. just as
| got in, two boys were clnching each other
in the back part Of the room, and evidently
preparing for active hostilities.
didn't feel halfso courageous as thought
should. Although these boys were not
more than eleven or twelve, | had no doubt
that they were either Of them stronger than
myself, and it was in rather faint tone that
| told them to stop, and inquired into the
cause OF their hOstilities.
g Jim Lynch has got my scat" said one
glanciDg deliantly at the other.
9 'Taln't hisn; it's mlne;" responded the
other.
"IlI leave it to any of the boys" said the
second.
On referring it to the boys, each seemed
to be backed by about an equal number of
supporters, and in my perpleXty, | knew
not what to do.
At last l bribed Jim Lynch to give up the
seat, and comparative peace was restored.
This effected, | rang the bell end proceeded
to make little speech which had carefully
written out and committed. The scholars
did not seem very attentive, and signs of un-
easiness induced me to cut 1t short.
During the forenoon noticed the scholars
watched me pretty sharply, to notice what
kind Of a teacher was likely to prove. They
were comparatively tranquil, and felt en-
couragcd.
At twelve o'clock, returned to my board
ing house for dinner.
had nothing but fried pork and potatoes,
and some very hard, indgestlbie brown
bread.
"It's washing day to-day" said Mrs Bum
stead, and "and we never calculate to get
much Of any dinner washing day"
| incautioIsly sat down in chair on which
some milk had been split, which did not at
all improve the looks of the black silk which
had foolishly put on for my Inauguration
day.
You'll have to look out next time," said
Mrs. Bumstead in tone which did not con-
yey much consolation.
did not relish my dinner, which in fact
had hardly time to swallow, as afternoon
school commenced at one.
The next morning on entering school, |
found the scholars more than usually quiet,
although some of them seemed to be tttering
about something. However, this did not par
ticuarly attract my attention, though l heard
a faint noise somewhere in the neighborhood
of my desk, but did not know what it was.
Unsuspciously | proceeded to open the
desk as usual, when out flew hen, striking
me in the face, and startling me so as to elicit
a scream of terror.
This convused all the scholars with laugh
ter and filled me with Indignation.
Who did this ?" exclaimed
No reply.
eff some one does not tell shall be oblig-
ed to whip you all round.'
Upon this one of the small children, terri
fed by the threat, answered, Jimmy Foote
did it."
instantly determined 10 make an example
of the offender who had so outraged my Dig
nifty, in case he should prove not too large
for me to undertake to whip.
"James Foote, come here!" called out
with severity.
No one stirred.
"James Foote, come here this instant" |
called again, stamping my foot angrily.
The scholars began to litter again, which
increased my anger.
"Will any scholar point out James Foote?"