The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1885-03-04

fodder is pulled; that's such hot,
hateful work"
Then he's got to whip me, that's
ALL was the uncompromising re-
ply, and, looking at the teachers
spare limbs, Abe felt that he could
do it easily.
A spelling class composed of the
entire school, was called up. Mr..
Winters said, quietly:
"Ot course you have learned little
or nothing, with the school in the
condition it has been in. I'll begin
with simple words-spell elephant. "
With a significant look down the
class, which was perfectly under
stood Zach, who was at the head,
spelled, Elefant."
The word passed on, each boy
transposing a letter in the most skill
full manner. The Point" boys
were adopts at this game, ard the
observant teacher with his keen eyes
fixed upon each scholar as the word
came to him, saw that it was trick
that had evidently been played be
fore. He retained his imprrturba-
bic demeanor, and smiled, saying
calmly:
You are really greater Ounces
than | expected. Excise my plain
words, but before I've done with you
you will conclude that you have
seen the animal himself Do you
think you can manage tospell whip?
"Oh p screamed the boy next to
Zach, hes pinchin' me, sir, point
ing TO the one below him.
"Twa'n't me, teacher, it was
him" pointing to bis nearest neigh
Dor. fe-
"Twa'n't me, it was him." each
boy shouted in turn, indicating the
one next to him. and this said by
every boy until it reached the bot
tom of the class, each boy screaming
and shouting at the very top of his
voice. In the midst of all the noise
Mr.. Winters sat without moving
muscle. His bright eyes had rather
an amused look, as they passed from
face to face. Then, when the noise
abated a little. he spoke in his same
quiet, even tones.
+" | think you have all been pinch
ers. SO III punish the whole class.
He quietly took of his coat, and
then took up large switch that was
on the desk.
You, Zach Jones, oblige me by
stepping here.
Zach marched W with an insolent
laugh and a defiant swagger. Mr..
Winters raised the switch, his keen
eyes fixed watchfully upon the boy.
Before it descended, Zach aimed
blow at his face. He evaded it, and
the next moment the young pugilist
was seized in an iron grasp. When
il relaxed, Zach, blinded by rage.
struck out right and left; but what
was his brute force against the train
ed skill of the mos: muscular athlete
of Akron Celisse2 Three times
Zach went down like a log. The
fourth time, bruised and dizzy, ne
could not rise to his feet.
Have you bad enough?" Mr. Win
tiers asked, sternly are you willing
to obey ?"
YOU'RE the best man, Zach said,
family ''and l suppose I'm bound to
give in."
.Yes, suppose you are, said Mr.,
Winters. IF not now you soon
will be. Help him up, some OF you
and let him go to the pump and
wash his face. Now. young gentle
men, I'll settle with you"
The awe stricken boys looked at
him, for once terrified into good be-
havior. There he stood, as cool and
quiet as before the fight. He saw
they were conquered. He punished
each of them, but made the punish
ment as light as possible. They
took it as demureiy as if the school
had always been under strict disci-
pline-Zach, sitting mournfully, at
an open window, with his head
buzzing, and feeling strangely con-
fused, pondered mournfully, over
deceitful appearances. Mr.. Winters
called him in and tod him to remain
after the school was dismissed.
You forced NE to resort to such
harsh measures this morning; was
sorry to do sc" he said; but you
know there was 40 help for it.
could not do anything else and re
main teacher of this school. as
propose to do. The skill and
strength acquired in the gymnas
ium at college, | am literally asham-
ed to use as a prize fighter would ]
use them. No gentleman would do
1t unless forced to, in self defense. /
This. | have done to-day. Now, let |
me take you into my confidence.
heard of this schoOl-it offered a !
good renumeration-and | am q
poor man and need the salary can /
honorably get here. As soon as L
saw YOU | knew what was before me;
but. thought | saw. too, that after
YOU found that had the muscle to
command your respect, you would 1
be magnanimous enough to give me
no more trouble. Indeed, wish to !
be your friend, if YOU will allow me
to he. Will you ?" and he held out I
his hand.
Zach took it, frankly, for he liked |
the spirit of the teacher. Il am not
mean enough, Mr.. Winters" he said
mot 20 acknowledge when I'm
whipped, and | don't bear i'll will.
But what puzzles me is how you
can give such hits with that little
hand of yours. 1t took me so By
surprise that | went right under"
Mr.. Winters laughed, and pulled
up his sleeve. His arm, though not
Iarge. was bundle of iron muscles.
Its exercise and practice, Zach.
be said. But let mesay TO you that
cultivation of brute force alone is the
neanest of ambitions. As / have
intimated, should have
preferred conquering this school by
,tber and better means. but it is the
ast time, ] hope.r he said, smiling,
hat / shall have to use the knock
1own argument"
Mr.. Winters victory was thorough.