Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1867-12-19

of his companions, was signing for
new boys to conquer, when Johnny
Joined the institution. He at once
made friendly over;ures Of battle TO
Johnny, who oddly enough, seemed
indisposed to encourage his advan-
ces. Then Barnabec began course
of petty prosecutions, which had con-
tinued up to the day of the fight.
On the morning of that eventful
day, the Barnabee boy appeared in
the shool-yard with o small go cart.
After running down on Johnny sew
eral times with this Useful vehicle, he
captured Johnny's cap, filled it with
sand, and dragged it mp and down
! the yard triulnphantly in the go cart.
This made the general very angry, of
course, and he took an early oppor-
tunity of kicking over the triumphal
car, in doing which he kicked one of
the wheels so far into space that it
has not been seen since.
This brought matters to n crisis.
The battle would have taken place
then and there; but at that moment
the school bell rang, and the gladia-
tors were obliged to give their at
tention to Smiths Speller But a
gloom hung over the mornings ex-
ercises--a gloom that was not dispel-
ledin the back row, when the Barna-
bee boy stealthily held up to Johnny's
vision slate, wherein was in-
scribed this fearful message: sine a
Going to lick you ut recess"
Johnny got it put down in wri-
ting" this time!
After hasty glance ut the slate.
the General went on with his studies
composedly enough. Eleven o'clock
came, and with it came recess, and
with recess the inevitable battle.
Now, | do not intend to describe
tie details of this brilliant action, for
tie sufficient reason that, though
there were seven young gentlemen
(con-ected with the Primary SchooD
on the field as VIZ correspondents,
their accounts of the engagement are
so contradictory IS to be utterly
worthless. On one point they all
agree: that the contest was short.
sharp, and decisive. The truth is, the
General is quick. wiry, experienced
old hero; and it didn't take him long
to rOut the Barnabce boy, who was
in reality coward, rs all bullics and
tyrants ever have been and always
will be.
Idon't approve Of boys fighting
| don't defend johnny; but n the
General wants an extra ration or two
of preserved pear he shall have it,
| am well aware that. socially speaking.
Johnny is a blacksheep ! know that /
have brought him up badly, and that there
is not an unmarried man or woman in the
United States who wouldn't have brought
him mp very differently. It's great pity
that the only people who know how 10
manage children never have any. AT the
same time, Johnny is not n black sheep all
over. He has some white spots. HIS
sins-if wiser folks had no greater.--are
the result of too much animal life. They |
belong TO his cvancscent youth, ard will |
pass away; but his honesty, his generosity, |
his bravery belong TO his character, and |
are enduring qualities. The quickly crowd |
ing years will tame him. A good large |
pane of glass, or a seductive bell-knob. |
ceases in time To have attractions for the |
most reckless spirit And ain quite con
fident that Johnny will he a great states
man, or soldier, or at all events, COOL |
ritizen, after he has got over being young
desperate.