The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-07-01

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the cbinks and daubing, and then gathered
about roaring fire in the huge fireplace,
we waited the approach Of the enemy.
As the time approached for the masters
coming, dread silence fell upon the little
crowd, so that when he did come we could
hear the heavy tread upon the crusted
snow, and many heart sunk and face
whitened in terror.
Our leaders sprang to their posts each
side Of the door, and on being ordered to
surrender, boldly demanded weeks holi-
iay, and treat OF cider and apples.
This was sternly refused.
"Firel" cried Bill and Bob, and two
poles were thrust out with allthe strength
the stoutest arms could give them. They
took the indignant pedagogue In the sides
with such force that but for his thick
flannel overcoat, holes might have been
made in his wicked body. As 1t was he
staggered back, and for twenty minutes or
more We saw him sitting on q log catch.
ing his breath and rubbing his wounded
sides. We gave no end OF loud cheers,
claiming for ourselves the first knock
down, II not the first blood.
Atthe end oftwenty minutes the master
arose. Digging huge stone from under
the snow he approached and threw II with
great violence against the door. The stout
oak batting fairly shook under the blow,
hut held It's own. Another and another
and another followed, amid the jeers and
laughter, encouraged by our noble leaders,
to keep up the courage OF their followers.
The fourth stone split the DOOR and the
fifth broke the upper wooden hinge, and
but for the barricade within the breach
would have been available. The enemy
not being aware OF the defence within, sud-
denly dropped the stone and ran at the
door. We were not TO be taken by sur.
prise. Again were the sharp lances thrust
out. One hit, with decided effect, 10 the
commissary, vulgarly called the stomach,
the others, as he stopped doubled up by
the pain, In the face, inficting an ugly
wound, from which the blood flowed in
profusion. lie retreated, and We saw him
fairly dance with rage and pain. The more
Of this he INDUCED in the wilder grew our
delight, which we testified in roars Of
laughter.
lie soon ended this exhibition and dis
appeared around the schoolhouse, evident
" on q reconnaissance. There was dead
silence, and we realized that which we have
sooften felt since, the unknown movements
Of silent enemy. This was ended by q
noise on the roof, and soon volumes Of
smoke pouring into the room told US that
stratagein had taken the place Of assault.
We were to be smoked out.
For moment our leaders looked puz.
zled. Fortunately, in the excitement oi
the conflict, the fire had not been led, and
now only 0 few eEbers and chunks sup
piled the smoke. These were scattered
upon the broad hearth and water thrown
10 to extlngulsh the remainder. Then Bill
aud Bob, selecting four Of the stoutest
poles, thrust them up the chimney, and at
the word we gave, 10 use our own phrase,
"a bloody hist"
The consequences were rattling Of fall.
ing boards, with the unmistakable thumr
Of a heavier body upon the ground. We
found aiterwaril that the master had not
only covered the chimney top with boards,
but had seated himself on them. The
sudden and unexpected Z" hist !" had tum.
bled him of. We then heard dismal groans
and cries for help. Some were in favor Of
going at once to his assistance; Others,
more cautious, opposed such meIciful er-
rand. .I.
al Hes bollerin' too loud to be hurt
much, /" said shtewd Bob.
We had division in our council Of war
This snded in call for a volunteer 70 make
a s1rtie and investigate. Jack Ioder, one
Of the m,st daring and active among the
Younger boys. responded. A shutter on
the opposite side TO the cries for help wa
opened quickly and Jack thrust out. The
result Of this WIS not only cessation Of
tbe rroans but a chase, which wewitnessed
through the portfolios. Jack was good
runner, and wher the two disappeared over
tbe meadow, into the willow thicket, Jack
was gaining on him, and we bad good hopes
Of bis escape. To uur dismay and horror
In haitian hour we saw the master returning
With roor Jack in his grasp. he bad
hostsee, and was swift IN tue use OF the
advantage. stopping before the house, he
began whipping the poor fellow unniefei'ui-
IL. Jacks cries were piteous.
a0h, let him in boys, let him in he's
a killin' o me- rung in our ears. Therr
was hurried consultation. Tue benches
and desks were quietly removed. Asortie
had been determined upon. The master
stood at the side Of the house, south OF the
door, and Us soon rs the opening was made
Bill urclosed a shutter and proposed a par
lev. The answer was a rush at the open
window by the master, WHO began climbing
In. Brave little Jack seized him by the
legs, and before be could kick himself of
a dozen stout lads weie clinging TO them,
while as many more held him un the inside.
BIZ seized the rope and attempted to pass
tbc moose over bis arms. In the hurry and
confusion Of the fight, he succeeded IN get
ting II only over bis head. Pulling at It As
the boys DID, there was far prospect oi
ending the useful labors oi this teacher by
stranculaiiun. That lie deserved II, no
one oI Us doubted, but Bob having climbed
over The master in the window, and all the
sebvol pulling At the end OIL old Bangs, was
soor master Of the situation. Getting hold
Of the rope, and assisted BY Bil, we sue
eeeded in tying the arms Of the almost
Exhausted man to bis sides. lie was tum-
bled from the window as uneeienonionsIy
Swiil vi you give upi' demanded our lead
GNom ruped the master
Tn, bay. old pcdAsolus still refusing,
h. VA, dragged, rolled and tunbicd to the
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