The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1873-04-10
cheers, claiming for ourselves the first
Knock down If not the first blood.

master rose. Digging a huge ston,
from under the snow, he approached
and threw 1t with great violence
against the door. The stout oak bat
ting fairly shook under the blow bnt
held its own. Another and another
followed, amid jeers and laughter, en-
couraged by our noble leaders to keen
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
breech would have been available.
The enemy now being aware Of the de-
fense within, suddenly dropped the
stone and ran in at the door. We were
not to be taken by surprise. Again
were the sharp lances thrust out. One
hit with decided effect in the COM
missary, vulgariy called stomach, the
other as he stopped doubled by the
pain. in the face, inflicted an angry
wound, from which blood flowed in
profusion. He 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 screams Of laughter.
He soon ended this exhibition and
disappeared round the school house,
evidently on reconnaissance. There
was dead silence, and We realized
that which we have SO often felt since,
the unknown movement of silent
enemy. This was ended by a noise
upon the roof and soon volumes of
smoke pouring in to the room told us
that strategy had taken the place Of
assault. We were to be smoked out.
For a moment our leaders looked
puzzled. Fortunately, in the excite
ment of the conflict, the fire had not
been fed and now only few embers
and chunks supplied the smoke.
Those were scattered on the broad
hearth, and water thrown in to ex-
tinguish the remainder. Then Bill
and Bob, selecting four of the stoutest
poles. thrust them up the chimney,
and at the word we gave, to use our
own phrase, "a bloody hist
The consequence was rafting Of
falling boards, with the unmistakable
thump of a heavier body upon the
ground. We found afterwards that
the master had not only covered the
chimney top with boards. but had
seated himself upon them the sudden
and unexpected "hist" had tumbled
him off. We heard dismal groans and
cries for relief from the enemy.
Some were in favor OF going at once
to his assistance; Others more cautious.
opposed such a merciful errand.
Hes hollerin' too loud to be hurt
much, /" said shrewd Bob.
We had division in our council Of
war. This ended in claim for vol
unteer to make softie and investi-
gate. Jack Louder, one of the most
active among the younger boys. re-
side to the cries for help was opened
quickly and Jack thrust out. The
result Of this was not only cessation
of groaning, but chase tina. we wit
messed through the port holes. Jack
was good runner, and when the two
disappeared over the meadow, into the
willow thicket. Jack was gaining on
him, and We had good hopes Of his es-
cape. TO our dismay and horror, in
half an hour we saw the master re-
turning with poor Jack in his grasp.
He had hostage, and was swift in
his use Of the advantage. Stopping
before the house he began whipping
the poor fellow numerically. Jacks
cries were piteous.
"Oh, let him in, boys let him in,
he's kilin' O. me- rung in our ears
There was a hurried consultation |
The benches were quietly removed
rom the door. A sortie had been de- |
ermined on. The master stood at |
he side Of the house south of the door,
md rs soon as the opening was made,
Bill unclosed a shutter and proposed
barley. The answer was rush at
he open window by the master, who
,egan climbing in. Brave little Jack
eized him by the legs, aud before he
,ould kick him off a dozen stout lads
we're clinging to them, while as many
more held him on the inside. Bill
eized the rope and attempted to pass
he moose over his arms. In the hur-
y and confusion of the fight he sue
eeded in getting it over his head.
'ulling it as the boys did, there was a
air prospect Of ending the useful la
'ors of the teacher by strangulation.
hat he deserved it no one of us doubt
d; but Bob having climbed over the
aaster in the window, and with all
he school pulling at the end of old
sangs, was soon master of the situa-
ion. Getting hold of the rope, and
ssisted by Bill, he succeeded in tying
he arms Of the almost exhausted man
> his sides. He was then tumbled
rom the window as unceremoniously
$ a pig.
"Will you give upe' demanded our
saders.
NO." gasped the master.
Then Well put you down in the
'ell, hanged if we don't.' .-=
The brave old pedagogue still refus-
lg, he was dragged, rolled and tum-
led to the well curb.
"Will you give up dern you ?' de-
landed Bob.
"No, l WON'T
He was showed inside the bucket
nd orders given to lower. But the
eight proved too much for the lads,
nd the crank of the windlass slipping
ON their grasp, the learning of our
istrict went whirling to the bottom
18th numbering noise BETTING such
n exit. This was more than we bar.
aimed for. Had We really murdered
10 master? Bob and Bill, assisted by
le stoutest, began pulling up the un-
,riunate old fellow. 1t was hard
1ork and tugging at the windlass :
ley just caught glimpse of his ,
londe head, when wild cry Of "hre!" :
aused them to let go, and again the J
a NIT |