Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-07-19
ARBITRATION.

1t was nearly letting OUT time at
Hilltown Academy. The stove had as
sumed its regular late afternoon heat
the boys were perspiring freely, and the
girls faces blazing under the warming
influence. Guy Lesey, the teacher, was
waxing hot and cross in his struggles
with the first grammar class, which also
felt the demoralizing effect of half-past
three.
Sam Cone, boy who did chores
nights and mornings, and had four
miles to drive, was excused, rs usual,
before the others, and shambled out.
In two minutes, however, he returned,
and was met by the fierce inquiry from
the pedagogue, What you back again
for?"
Say, Mr.. Lesey," drawled Sam, Il
can't get my sleigh nohow"
Your sleigh! Where is it?" question
ed the master.
"Why up top of the she'd; the boys
put it there this noon"
''Who has been meddling with Sam
Cones sleigh?" questioned the exasper-
ated Guy, with an ar of complete dis
gust at boy depravity. Now | shall
ask each boy in this school-room: and
be sure you give me a truthful answer,
now
Suiting the action to the word, he put
the question TO every urchin, receiving
a prompt answer in the negative.
All but Nathan Burns, an open-faced,
retined-looking boy of fifteen, who an
swered frankly, Il didn't do it, but
know who did"
"Oh, YOU dor exclaimed Mr. Lesev,
''well, who was it?'
Nathan lookcdsup in unfeigned sur
prise at the question. why YOU don't
expect me 10 tell on him. do you?n he
said
Certainly l do, and Immediately"
said the other angrily.
Really, | can't, sir was the respect
full but firm reply.
You can't, Wen see about that"
and Lesey thoroughly mad" rs the
boys said, irri1cd Nathan by the coat
collar and held him menacingly.
Young man. I'll give you just two
minutes to tell the boys name. If you
don't punishment will surely follow. ="
Now Nathan Burns was u favorite
with the professor; and had not this
been one OF his ''cross days" his treat
ment would have been as unexpected as
il was unjust As the two faced each
other, the sympathy of the school was
plainly with Nathan; and well it might
be, for he, with white face and look
of fixed purpose in his deep blue eyes,
was thoroughly master of himself, which
Lesey, his face purple with rage, was
far from being He impatiently watch
ed the clock, ticking loudly on his desk;
and Nathan, with compressed lips, stood
perfectly quiet his eyes raised coolly,
but not defiantly, to his masters face.
The girls, over in their corner, were
in high state of Indignation,
dear! | wish he'd ask us, whisper
ed quiet Nell Price, an unwonted CLEAN
in her hazel eyes. Il"
Whispering on the girls side!,"
Numbered Lesey. bringing down his
disengaged hand upon the desk with a
resounding thump; 'the next one hear
will"
.'But, Mr. Lesey," pleaded Nell, a
sudden bright color coming into her
pale face, Nathan isn't to blame l
saw Dave Jones put up the sleigh, my
self .
rs that SOP demanded the irate
pedagogue of that young mana shock
headed youth on the back seat. Thus
confronted, be reluctantly owned up.
and received the Gaming which would
otherwise have fallen upon the luckless
shoulders of Nathan; and Sam Cone
went rejoicing homeward with his re.
covered nrOnertY.