The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1884-07-24
WEED BLADES.


Young Henry Hayloid experienced
much difficulty in finding, in his somo-
what contracted sphere of operations,
vocation which would yield a pleas
urable, not to say remunerative roturn.
One day. after having experimental
with quito n number Of "callings," in
Guiding a mild attempt in tho pulpit,
he heard that q school toachcr was
greatly needed In a far removed dis
trict, known as "Panter Walk" Ho
had bSgun the study of veterinary sur
CORY, 1T not being very much taken
with tho profession, he decided to 90 at
once to 'Panter Walk" and begin the
much needed course of instruction. Ar
riving, he found a small log school
house sparsely supplied with benches.
Tho farmers whom he consulted agreed
that school was tho worry thing thcy
needed, but that no ono could expect
much ''of showin' till arter tho crops
was laid by" This was certainly dis
couraging, but as young Hayloid had
nothing else in view. ho decided to
stay and tako his chances. When
school opened, only two "scholars"
made their appearance. the family
property of old Jim Socklastcr. Ono
was n ''gangling" boy, whose awk-.
ward form and recklessnoss of gait had
won him tho appollation of "Windin'
Blades" The girl, tall and with dis
position to romp, was rather good
looking, and wore around her hair
blue rihbon--silken streak of civiliza-
tion.
"And what is your namep' asked
tho teacher
"Ihey call mo Wood, SIR" sho said
o.NWs5hy mWhy did they give you such a
"Cause she growcd SO fast" inter-
posed Windin' Blades.
AS no other pupils camc, Hayloid
decided to go ahoad regardless of num-
bers. 1t was with some trouble that
the two students could be classified
Windln' Blades had only one book, a
tatterod copy of paradise Lost" of
which ho could not read limo, and
Weed had brought a work treating of
agriculture nmo0g the ancient Egyp-
tians.
Whore did you got theso books?"
asked the teachor.
"a tramp give en- to us for a jug of
buttermilk," replied Windin' Blades.
Can your father roadp"
"Iio can road little books, but ho
can't road one as big as this one"
"Your mother can doubtless readp"
turning to the girl.
''She can't read now, but sho ustor
could"
"Why can't she read now?"
'Because the book she learned to
road is dun lost. Hero comes pap"
Old man Socklastor ontorod, nodded
and said:
''Mornin' to you, mornin', sir. Got
sorter slim prospeck."
''Yes, tho children don't appear to be
coming very fast"
Old Socklastor was not disappointed
at the ''slim prospeck. In fact ho
was rathor pleased to noto what on
couragement, beyond his neighbors,
he was giving to the cause of educa-
tion.
II reckin' you're goin' to go right
on with tho undertaken jcs' tho same
as If you had whole passed. Of
scholars2"
eyes," said Hayloid. II camo hero
to teach. and so long rs I can secure
the attendance Of single pupil, shall
continue to make my efforts in behalf
of learning"
"Glad to know it. You're the only
right sort Of teacher we've had in
this community for somo timc."
"By tho way, Mr.. Socklastor, these
provided with are by no means ap-
propriato."
"What's tho matter with en-"
"Ono treats of agriculture several
thousand years ago, telling of wooden
ploWs and OK throshing machines, tho
othor is book which only advanced
students can read and understand"
."Wall. the foller wo got 'em of said
they was good books. and he's an oldor
man than you are. Bottor let 'em wor-
ry along with them books awhile, an
nrter they've dun learnt all there Is in
'em, wy thon I'll git some better ones.
Good day. Wush you mighty we'll with
your undortakin'."
Fortunately Hayloid had brought q
fow books for beginners. He had no
trouble In offecting an exchange, for
tho bright pictures at once sottled tho
questsSn of their worth. Windin' Blade
and Weed had scarcely explored tho
mysteries of tho alphabet, but they
proved to bo attentive, and evincod
such desire to loarn that Hayloid did
not regret having commenced with
"such slim prospooks."
Tho teacher boarded in quiot fam
lily, whore tho sunlight that littlo
child brings Is unknown, whero q doaf
old man and knitting old woman sat
down nightly to tho exploration of
their own thoughts. All that Hayloid
could get out Of tho old man was "hah"
. with ono hand behind his ear-and rs
tho old lady seomcd to drop q stitch
ovory time no addressed her, sho was
allowed to pursue an uninterrupted
course of self investigation.
Windin' Blades and Weed, day by
day, continued to bo tho only pupils.
Corn was 'laid BY" and farmers boys
had no particular work to perform, yet
tho census OF the school remained tho
same To watch tho development Of
Woods mind was an interesting study.
She was remarkably bright, and learn
cd with q readiness which surprised
Hayloid. Windin' Elades was, after
nil innlinnd to hn idle. Ho had q DAs.