River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1885-09-17

inc the mysteries of algebra, was con-
scientiouslv at work, Clarence, looking
out of the high window, saw little
party coming from up the road. He
recognized Mr.. Billiger, the arch enemy
of wishy-wash and, with him. the off
spring Of johnson and Rhino Williams,
who, since the first day, had been alb
sent. A young man, with a shutiiiug
gait and a heavy swing to his shoulders
Clarence correctly OWNED to be the
famous Bill.
A moment afterwards the company
entered the room. There was
was deep hush and Clarence. looking
around, saw that Mary was trembling.
He mentally resolved that the person
was unlucky who frightened her, and
then. saluting the director, gave him
seat by the desk.
Il heerd you wanted Bill, said the
black william. i've brought him. |
wanted to ask you not to hurt him,
squeeze hi hands or anythin'.
Did you bring him here to make a
disturbances" asked Gorse, Judging it
best to begin the attack.
''He won't be put on by no namby-
"And you've brought the Johnsons
and Williamses, too. You didn't bring
them here to break up the school, did
youp Because if you did, | can draw
my wages for the whole term without
teaching another day. =
There, that's enough jaw, cried
Bill from where he was standing, near
the stove. Come talk to me little. "
VERY we'll; in the first place warn
the others TO take their seats.
But the .Johnsons and Williamses re-
fused. and, with Bill at their head,
came down the aisle. They approached
slowly, gathering courage as they
came. The leader held his right hand
behind him.
You've got brass knuckles on, hav-
emit you?" said Gorse.
YES, cried Bill, win an oath, "and
there they are''
The Younger scholars screamed, and
even the Bremen boys shuddered in
their seats; but the blow that followed
was from an arm of steel which sent
Bill down among the little benches like
a block The Johnsons, rushing in
like two bulldogs, had alike reception.
1t was at The last blow that he heard a
scream from Mary.
Clarence, Clarence" she cried;
"quickr'
He turned suddenly and discovered
the ferOcious director coming toward
him with heavy ruler. 'Ill learn
YOU 20 strike my sonn' he was yelling;
but when he saw Gorse facing him he
stopped.
You are Slow" said'the teacher, de-
lisivelv. "Give me the ruler. MIR.
Billiger did not delay in obeying.
All this had taken but moment, and
William was struggling to his feet.
Gorse did not interfere, but when the
Young man found his head and made
another rush he sen, him down with
more terrific blow than before. Will
lam was in no haste this time to arise,
and his father, seeing how matters stood,
started for the door, telling Bill to
"come along.
''Oh, no, said Clarence.
''Oh, no?"
That's it. You brought William
hear as scholar he shall stay till
night. He shall sit on that small seat,
Mr. Billiger, and if he doesn't keep
utter silence, Ill give him a logging
such as he never dreamed of on the
lakes Good-day, Mr.. Biliger; if you
think | am conducting the temple of
learning in too wishy-washy a style
don't hesitate to express your valuable
views"
William Biliiger occupied the small
seat, made no noise and by directions
of the teacher kept his eyes to the front;
the boys that did not take their seats
when warned left them now for a whip
ping, and Clarence Gorse, master of
he district, never spent a happier at
ternoon in his life.
He did not forget that Mary had
called him "Clarence;' neither did she,
for the rosy bushes were ready again
when she told the story at night.
Il cried 90 Mr.. Gorse! narrated this
charming historian.
mo, indeed: you cried Clarence,
Clarencen" corrected the young man.
Then the historian was confused, and
then it was that all her previous blush
es were eclipsed.
Il guess Mary was good deal inter
ested, said the artless farmer. ''But
by the Eternal, | wish ! could have
seen you knock Bill!'- HIllist0n Fish,
in Chicago Current