Stevens County tribune. (Morris, Minn.) 1877-1880, 1879-09-18

| ny, TIC was running uOWu Ilc IOdO
as fast as could be, and he looked awful
mad, and Mr.. Atkln's says he is mad, and
oh, did you hear that!"
ltwas the loud report of gun directly
III front of the schoOl-house, followed by
a 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 might, and opening the rear
door of the building. rushed, just as Mag
gle had done, into the room where We
were all seated.
Closely following her, and at one time
almost seizlng her dress, came large
dog, without doubt in a rabid condition.
He had been shot at in the road, and
was apparently woundeds
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.
The door was behind and one side of
me. As turned and looked my heart
stood still, for l beheld what l hope l
may never again see,-a really mad dog,
his mouth dripping, his eyes glaring, and
his hair bristling,
He stopped at the doorway tor an in
slant; then, with growl he started into
| the room.
/ have heard people tell about thinking
| quickly in times OF great danger, but for
my part, can say that this occasion
did not think at all. Hardly knowing
what l 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.
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 lit blows
| over the back, and the animal instantly
turned upon him with fierce snarl.
80 Henry" l screamed, "be careful for
your lifer'
He did not answer but held the cane
| do"n 10 the dogs mouth. The amin al
grasped it in his teeth, bit it furiously,
receiving as he dad so heavy kick,
which sent him off his feet, Henry 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 very sharp
pointed weapon in Henrys hands.
The idea of lending aid in the struggle
did not seem to enter the minds Of the
other boys. In fact, what had opo1Incc
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
had already shot at the dog, and was now
looking for him.
Meanwhile Henry was keeping the
creature at bay, so that he could not get
at the scholars, by continual blows and
kicks. He had not yet been bitten, but
his trousers we're badly torn. At length
he tried new plan.
He held out his left hand towards the
dog. and as the animal started forward tC
seize it, he thrust the point of the broker
cane into the open mouth.
The creature bit it savagely, but Henry
holding on to the advantage he haC
gained, continued to push further int
the dogs mouth.
"Come here, Joe, quick" he called
and one of the largest boys came up.
"Now you kick while hold ON here,
he said, keeping tight hold OF the cane
which seemed wedged into the dog
mouth.
| Joe drew back his heavy farm boot
and kicked with all might directl,
against the creatures side.
"Not there; no, not therer' cried Hen
ry. kick him under the stomach, so a
to take away his BREATH
Again Joe drew up and kicked, ant
this time fortunately the dog was lifte'
off his feet and tumbled senseless agains
the wall.
"Open the window! open the window !!
Henry called out.
Several boys sprang forward to obey
and tie dog, on the point of revivlng
was seized and thrown out into the yarG
A moment later the report uf Mr.. Atkin'
gun told that the poor creatures caree
was ended.
l took long breath. 1t seemed a
though 1t was the first time had breathe
since the dog entered the room. He wa
gone and the only traces left of the un
| M 70 pt0inG n
the floor, two windows open, broke
cane, and several scholars out of thei
seats.
= Henry was coolly walking to his sea
. when stopped him.
: "Henry, are you sure, you are not BIZ
tenn" 1 asked.
> II don't think he bit me anywhere,
he answered, looking at his hands.
: examined them carefully. How Qla
l was that conld not find upon them
> single scratch
InvOluntarily l exclaimed: "YOu are
: noble, brave boyl thank you with a
: my heart for myself and for the schoo
and shall remember you as long as
: llvey'
He looked for an instant frankly an
: with pleased expression into my fac
and taen, without word, took his sea
- thought that in the present excite
!. state of both teacher and scholars, teacl
! ing would be an irhpossibility. and wit
lew words dismissed the school unit
afternoon.
, AThe entire village was much excited b
!, this extraordinary event, as was natur
= 1t Ghould he. Of course, Henry was oui
a hero in the town, but it seemed to n
y that no amount of praise went beyon
= what he deserved.