The Lincoln County herald., 1873-06-04
OUR NEW SCHOOL MA,AM.

"Tell you what it is, boys, we'll keep
pretty civil for q day or two, and see
what kind of stuff she is made of. She
is woman you know, and We cant put
her out doors, as did old Thompson last
winter; nor can We give her such Q
thrashing - we gave that Edwards who
came after Thompson, but ss for being
ruled BY . Woman, we will just show
them trustees We won't do it," Az il to
mphasize the words, handsome John
Howard gave the door fierce blow With
the poker, and shook back the wavy
curls from his white forehead.
"That's so, John. The idea, any way,
Of their sending a woman to keep school
for such great big boys as We arc. |
don't care how big she may be, don't
stand i'll"
.ASd, Ed Conser looked as if be could
do al he said.
The other boys we're about agreeing to
follow suit, when little Alicc Bell, came
running in, saying that the new school
ma am was coming with Mr.. Braddon.
Remember, boys, be civil q day or
two," continued John Howard, ss q
crimson dress and white apron made
their appearance in the doorway.
Full forty pairs Of eyes we're bent on
the new teacher, as she walked leisurely
to the desk, took off her gloves, unwound
the aeecy white cloud from around her
rosy face, hung her shawl on q nail, and
then came to tile stove, saying to Mr..
Braddon, but looking at the group gath
cred around the stove
"And these are the scholars, arc
they"
Yes, Miss Tanner, and I hope" with
great stress on the hope) that you will
find them good scholars"
"They look as though they might BE-, "
she said, with smile at US all.
"Wcll, children, don't disappoint your
teacher this winter: She expects great
things Of you" aud wishing good morn
ing to her, be bowed himself out.
Immediately che took the school bell
and going to the door, rang it loudly
calling the scholars 10 and school I,
order. . .....
We had little time to say anything
but there was much head shaking and
many contradictory looks, as We went tc
our seats 10 a shutting, disagreeable way
wondering what next would be done.
We expected an introductory lecture
such as our teachers had always opened
school with but, without one word, sht
went to her satcbel. took out small
pocket Bible (our school house dill no.
contain such book IS that). opened it
and began to read, 10 aclear, sweet voic'
about the infant Jesus.
1t was an unheard of proceeding. an,
it kept every one Of US perfectly still I'll
the chapter was through, when, to aston
ish US still more, she asked all Of US VIII
we're willing. to fold our hands, Will
she asked Gods blessing.
In spite CT ourselves, every scholar
from old to young, clasped their hand
together in an attitude of prayer, Will
! our teacher, with bowed head and low
sweet voice, recited the Lords prayer
| au afraid we forgot the purport of tn
words; we we're al so intent 10 watching
her; but the example was tho same
All day long we watched her, and did q
we we're bid, and when night came, th'
younger scholars, boys and girls, wen
home shouting aud laughing, tossing vi
their hats aud baskets; for the school
teacher had burned up all the sticks ant
rods that day, and how could she viii
thcm bersafter.
1--WE will be careful and not need an.
whipping" said little peace maker Allie
But We older ones got together to com
pare notes anc resolve what should be tn
order Of to morrow.
"But how is any ono going to do any
thing with such morsel Of humanity q
she is," growlsd Charlie Simpkins, i
any thing but good humor with himself
"She Is stouter. probably, for bein
SMALL" snapped Ed Couger.
"Wer, Ed, there is one thing certain
She Is a lady. and a lady has got to b
respected" Honest Benny Warwick
faco glowed with admiration.
"You're fool, and lose your heart fo
every pretty face, returned Ed Congs'
GROSSLY.
"Hush, boys, wait day or two longer,
urged John Howard; I'VE can't tell aay
thing about Miss Tsmer yet"
And so, ss John was the leader 10 81
this, everything wont on quietly for
week or two, when one day one OF tn
BOYS wanting some question answered
stepped up to the teacher, when she va
near the stove, aud calling her sttentio
to what he wanted, dropped q handful
red pepper on the stove.
Some Of the scholars know what wa
coming, and axiously watched her.
think she grew q shade psler for mo
msut, for she was we'll aware of the repu
tation of the school, then conqueriug be
fears, she said cheerfally.
edward, l think you must have 10