River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1879-09-18
erasped i in his teeth. bid it furlously

prasped ii in his teeth, bit ii furiously,
Receiving as he did SO a heavy kick,
which sent him off his teet Henry mo
! tive evidently being to knock him sense
/ less. This mannuyre was repeated sever
al times, until the dog refused to seize the
stick, and made an attack upon his as
sailants legs. Then the cane came down
again with loud crack and broke in two,
or rather split, for il left 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 opolIncc
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 Ut 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 vet been bitten, but
his trowsers were badly torn. AT length
he tried a new plan.
He held out his left hand towards the
dog, and as the animal started forward to
seize it, he thrust the point of the broken
cane into the open mouth.
The creature bit it sayagelY, but Henry
holding on to the advantage he had
gained, continued TO push further into
the dogs mouth.
Come here, Joe, quick" he called
and one of the largest boys came up.
Now you kick while held on here, "
he said, keeping tight hold of the cane,
which seemed wedged into the dogs
mouth.
Joe drew back his heavy farm boot,
and kicked with all might directly
against the creatures side.
Not there; no, not there!" cried Hen
~. kick him under the stomach, 80 as
to take away his breath"
Again Joe drew up and kicked, and
this time fortunately tue dog was lifted
off his feet and tumbled senseless against
the wall.
"Open the window! open the window !"
Henry called out.
Several boys sprang forward TO obey,
and t dog, on The point of revivlng,
was seized and thrown out into the ward.
A moment later the report of Mr. Atkin 8
gun told that the poor creatures career
was ended.
| took long breath. 1t seemed as
though 1t was the first time had breathed
since the dog entered the room. de was
gone and the only traces left of the un-
fortunate creature were some stains on
the floor, tro windows open, IL broken
cane, and several scholars out of their |
seats.
Henry was coolly walking to his seat
when | stopped him.
"Henry, are you sure, you are not bit |
tent" / asked
II don't think he bit me anywhere" |
he answered, looking at his hands.
examined them carefully. How glad |
| was that l conld not find upon them
single scratch
Involuntarily l exclaimed "You are
noble, brave boy! thank you with all
ny heart for myself and for the school,
and shall remember you as long as
lIveI''
He looked for an instant frankly and
with pleased expression into my face,
and en-, vithout word, took his seat.
l thought that in the present excited
ing would bc an impossibility. and with
a lew words dismissed the school until
:. The entire village was much excited by
this extraordinary event, as was natural
1t should he. OF course, Henry was quite
a hero in the town, but it seemed to me
that no amount of praise went beyond
what he deserved.
wrote an account of the matter for a
local journal From that it was copied
into some city newspapers.
also wrote TO wealthy gentleman
of my acquaintance. and told him the
whole story. He replied by an invitation
for Henry to co,ae 10 the city and see
him, enclosing a check TO pay his fare
Acting under my advice, the brave boy
rave mp his place on the farm and went
to the city. Ny friend Immediately gave
him employment, with good wages, SO
as to allow him to save money to pay
the expense of his education. He had
also time to continue his studies in pre-
paration for college, where / expect he
will soon 60.
This is true story.