The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-09-17
A Brave Boy.

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I was teaching school in little town
in Western State several years ago, and
during the winter many farmers sons
and field boys entered, who were not
able to come at other times of the year.
Some Of them were dull scholars, but
nearly all were anxious to learn, and
they did not give me near SO much trouble
as the few sons Of weather. parents who
were also under my charge.
There was one among the sunburnt
faces of these boys that always struck
mo as especially intelligent. It belonged
to Henry Chalmers, a lad Of fourteen.
He worked for neighboring farmer
nine months in the year, in ORDER to at.
tend school the remaining three; but it
was evident he had other sources Of in
struction besides those given in the
school, for he often came to me with
questions which showed knowledge be-
yond what could expect from one no
further advanced in his studies.
Most of the scholars were younger
than Henry, or else ABOUT his age, but
there were four or five boys and several
girls who were older. There was one boy
Of nineteen, slow and stupid, but good
hearted fellow, and another of sixteen,
George Cassell, whom 1 never quite
liked. 1.-The was not selfish and unprin-
cipled, he was at least very silly. SIS
He always wore exceedingly fashy
neckties; he cooked his hat on one side,
and displayed q cheap ring, of which he
was evidently very proud, on his stubby
little finger. 4|.l. I. .s.s. s. .s.@..t .s
Moreover, he carried cane wherever
he vert, even too and from school, which
seems to me very foolish and conceited
for boy with sound legs to do under
any circumstances, but especially SO in.
his case.
However, that cane proved itself of ut
most service to me and to the scholars if
it was not OF service to Cassell; and met
its end III an extraordinary manner.
It was one of the last days of the
spring term, and was just ready to
hear the first recitation, when a little
breath with crying and running, and ex-
claimed, as soon as she passed the door,
20 Miss Franklin, there's mad dog
rlg6t out in the road ~
The scholars all laughed. Mad dogs
are favorite terror with little girls.
"Maggie," said l, ''come hcre;'' and
took off her hat and cloak. "How do
you know the dog is mad?" ..,....s r
"Why, he was running down the road
as fast as could be, and he looked awful
mad, and Mr.. Atkins says he is mad, and
oh, did you hear thatr' 4 ...,-, T..
ltwas the loud report of a gun directly
i'll front of the school house, followed by
chorus of "Oh's" from the scholars, and
some shrill screams outside. ...... -.
Then another little girl ran along the
walk near the side windows, screaming
with all her mi ht, and opening the rear
door of the building. rushed, just as Mag
gle had done, into the room where we
were all seated. .. ..... ...... t'-
Closely following her, and at one time
almost seizlng her dress, came a large
dog, without doubt in rabid condition.
He had been shot at in the road, and
was apparently wounded. ~. T.. Z
If the girl had closed the door behind
her, which she could easily have done,
the dog could not have entered; but as
it was, she led the mad creature directly
into the room where we were. ,ls +.
The door was behind and one side of
me. AS I turned and looked my heart
stood still, for behcld what l hope I
may never again see,-a really mad dog,
his mouth dripping, his eyes glaring, and
his hair bristling, ~. ..,.-s -. -, 81.
He stopped at the doorway for an in
slant; then, with growl he started into
the room. ..... +-....,....... -. .~...,.-. +
I have heard people tell about thinking
quickly in times OF great danger, but for
my part, can say that on this occasion
did not think at ALL Hardly knowing
what I did, seized ruler, grasped the
two little girls and drew them to me.
The dog advanced towards us, but he
had not taken three steps when boys
form suddenly interposed. TWAS Henry
Chalmers. 49,. Xxx. -. .........- :
He had picked up the first weapon that
came within reach, which happened to
be cane standing in the corner near his
seat. Although its duty when in George
Cassell's hand was solely as an ornament,
it was, nevertheless, apparently for use,
for it had thick shaft and large knob
for head. .... .-.. -:
With this he struck the dog swift blows
over the back, and the animal instantly
turned upon him with fierce snarl.
your life!'
He did not answer but held the cane
down to the dogs mouth. The amin al
grasped it in his teeth, bit it furiously,
receiving as he did so a heavy kick,
which sent him off his feet. Henrys mo-,
tive evidently being to knock him sense
less. This maneuvre was repeated sever
al times, until the dog refused to seize the
stick, and made an attack upon his as
sailant's legs. Then the cane came down
again with loud crack and broke in two,
or rather split, for it left a very sharp
pointed weapon in Henry's hands. -.
The idea of lending aid in the struggle
did not seem to enter the minds of the
other boys. In fact, what had opo11ncc
took place SO suddenly and unexpectedly
that but little chance for doing anything
was afforded -.
Several of the girls pushed UP one of
the back windows, and by their screams
attracted the attention of the man who