The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1879-03-07

was, nevertheless apparently uesiguS4 ioi
use, for it had thick shaft and large
knob for bead.
With this he struck the dog swift blows
over the back, and the animal instantly
turued upon him with fierce snarl.
go Henry" l screamed, ''be careful, for
your life p
He did not answer, but held the cane
down to the dogs mouth. The animal
grasped it in his teeth, bit it furiousIy, re
ceiving as he did so a heavy kick, which
sent him off his feet, Henry's motive eYi-
IDENTITY being to knock him senseless.
This maneuvre was repeated several
times, until the dog refused to seize the
stick, and made an attack upon his assaiI-
ants legs. Then the cane came down
again with a 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 a struggle did
not seem to enter the minds OF the ether
boys. In fact, what had occurred 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 at
tracted the attention of the man who had
already shot at the dog, and was now look
ing for him.
Meanwhile Henry was keeping the
creature at bay, so that be could not get
at the scholars, by continual blows and
kicks. He had not yet been bitten, but
his trowsers were badly torn. At length
he tried new plan.
He held out his lefs hand towards tue
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 savagely, 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 him while I hold on
here,' he said, keeping tight hold of the
cane, which seemed wedged into the dogs
mouth.
Joe drew back bis heavy farm boot Gnd
the creatures side.
Not there no, not there - cried Hen
ry. Kick him under the stomach, so as
to take away his BREATH
Again Joe drew off and kicked and this
time fortunately the dog was lifted of his
feet aud tumbled senseIess against the
wall.
"OpeD the window open tho window -
Henry called out.
Several boys sprang forward to obey,
and the dog, on the point of reviviug, was
seized and thrown out into the yard. A
moment later the report of 8Ir. Atkin' s
gun told that the poor creatures career
was ended.
took long breath. 1t seemed as tho
it was the first time l had breathed since
the dog entered the room. He was gone,
and the only tracks left Of the unfortunate
creature were some stains on the floor, two
windows open, broken cane, and several
scholars out of their seats.
Henry was coolly walking to his seat
when I stopped him.
Henry, are yousure you are not bittenP'
I asked.
Il don't think he bit me anywhere" he
answered, looking at his hands.
examined them carefully. How glad 7
was that I could not find upon them a sin.
gle scratch!
Involuutarily exclaimed, 'You are a
noble, brave boy l thank you with all nay
heart, for myself and for the school, and
shall remember you as long as 1 live -
He looked for an instant frankly anC
with pleased expression into my face
and then, without 4 word, took his seat.
I thought that in the then excited
state of both teacher and scholars, teach
ing would be an impossslbiIity, aud wit,
few words dismissed the school until af
ternoon.
The entire village was much excited b,
this extraordinary event, as was natural j
should be. OF course, Henry was quite
hero in the town, but it seemed to me tha
no amount of praise went beyond what b.
deserved.
wrote an account of the matter for
local journal From that it vas copiet
into some of the city newspapers.
l also wrote to a wealthy gentleman o
my acquaintance, and told him the Who'll
story. He replied by an invitation t
Henry to come to the city and see him, en-
closing a check to pay his fare.
Acting under my advice, the brave bo
gave up his place on the farm and went t
the city. My friend Immediately gave hir
employment with good wages, SO as 20 al
low him to save money to pay che expens
Of his education. Re had also time give
him tn continue his studies IN preparation
for college, where 1 expect he will soon &c
This is true story.