The Mineral argus., 1884-11-13
WEED BLADES.

Young Henry Hayloid experienced
much difficulty In finding, in his some
what contracted sphere of operations,
a vocation which would yield a pleas
urable, not to say remunerative, return.
One day, after having experienced with
quite a number of "callings," including
a mild attempt in the pulpit, he heard
that a school teacher was greatly needed
in a far removed district, known as
study of veterinary surgery, but not be-
ing very much taken with the profes-
sion, he decided to go at once to PAINTER
Walk" and begin the much needed
course of instruction. Arriving, he
found a small log school house, sparsely
supplied with benches. The farmers
whom he consulted agreed that a school
was the very thing they needed, but
that no one could expect much "of a
shown till arter the crops vas laid by.
This was certainly discouraging, but as
young Hayloid had nothing else in view,
he decided to stay and take his chances.
When school opened only two scholars"
made their appearance, the family prop
erty of old Jim Socklaster. One was
a "gangling" boy. whose awkward form
and recklessness of gait had won him
the appellation of "Windin' Blades"
The girl, tall ana with a disposition to
romp, was rather good-looking, and
wore around her hair a blue ribbon
silken streak of civilization.
"And what is your name?" asked the
teacher.
"They call me Weed, sir" she said.
"Why did they give you such a name?"
"Cause she growed so fast" inter
posed Windin' Blades.
As no other pupils came, Hayloid de-
cided to go ahead regardless of num-
bers. It was with some tronble that
the two students could be classified.
Windin' Blades had only one book, a
tattered copy of Paradise Lost" of
which he could not read a line, and
Weed had brought a work treating of
agriculture among the ancient Egypt
iRns.
"Where did you get these books"
asked the teacher.
"A tramp give 'em to us for a jug of
b~uttermilk," replied Windin' Blades.
"Can your father read?"
He can read little books, but he
can't read one as big as this one"
"Your mother can doubtless read?"
turning TO the girl.
"She can't read now, but she ulster
could"
"Why can't she read now?"
Because the book she learned to
read is dun lost. Here m pap"
Old man Socklaster entered, nodded
and said:
"Mornin' to you, mornin', sir. Got
sorter slim prospect"
"Yes, the children don't appear to be
coming very fast"
Old Socklaster was not disappointed
at the "slim prospeck"-in fact he was
rather pleased to note what encourage
ment, beyond his neighbors, he was
giving TO the cause of education.
al reckin you're goin' to go right on
with the undertaken ies' the same, as
if you had a whole passed. of scholars ?"
dyes" said Hayloid. 81 came here
to teach, and so long as / can secure the
attendance of a single pupil | shall con-
tinue to make my efforts in behalf OF
learning"
"Glad TO know it. You're the only
right sort of a teacher we've had in this
community for some time"
"By the way, Mr.. Socklaster, these
books which your children have been
provided with are by no means appro-
PIRATE
Whats the matter with emp"
zone treats Of agriculture severa
thousand years ago, telling of wooder
plows and OK threshing machines, thu
other is a book which only advanced
students can read and understand.
wall, the Teller we got 'eh of saiC
they was good books, and he's an olde
man than you are. Better let zen
worry along with them books awhile
an AFTER they've dun learnt al
there Is il EN-, wy then I'll get then
some better ones. Good day. Wusl
you mighty well with your undertaken.
Fortunately Hayloid had brought
few books for beginners. He had n
trouble in etfecting IN exchange, 70
the bright pictures at once settled TIA