Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1886-02-05
JAKE, THE COWBOY,
BY BELLE c. GREENE.


1T was. a.cold, uncomfortable day. The
wind blew in gusts down the chin
ney of our little school-house, putting
out the fire and making the question of
keeping warm a hopeless one
The half-naked children huddled
about the stove and patiently conned
their lessons. Poor things, they were so
used to cold and suffering, that even the
dreary school-house was comfort com.
pared to their miserable homes!
l missed my big boy, Jake. If he
were only here, 1 could send him to the
woods for fuel. He was always our de-
pendcnce in a cold or rainy day. He
had wonderful luck with the rickety old
stove, and could make the fire burn when
nobody else could.
Jake was my favorite scholar. He was
only rough cowboy, and had borne a
terrible reputation, but he always be-
haved himself in school, and was so kind
and helpful, that | had come to rely
upon him as my right hand man.
On the day [ opened my school he
came to me, and, tucking an enormous
quid of tobacco away in his cheek, said
aw<wardly, 81 wan'ter jine your school.
I amt nothin' but cowboy, but I've
tux notion lately ter learn to read. |
reckon | should like to know how to
read" he added, with a wistful glance
into my face.
His evident earnestness and his sim
plicity touched me, and ! answered cor
daily, 81 shall be glad to have you
come, and | have no doubt you will learn
to read very FAST l will do all 1 can for
you, and you must help me. We will
help each other"
He seemed embarrassed; dropped his
eyes, shifted his quid, then spat dextrous-
ly into a corner of the room, and wiped his
lips on Il back of one great hand.
81 reckol you hain't never hearn o
me-" he said, finally, with an uneasy
laugh. Il amt ginerally counted much
good round here"
"But wouldn't wonder, he continued,
looking me over with the air of con
noissur about to bargain for pup or a
horse. II wouldn't wonder now, if you'n
me TUX to one another teacher."-
81 think we shall,"I said good ma
+ tltredly, land you look as if you might
: be'a friend worth having, if you chose. .
He was II noble great fellow, fully six
feet tall, with limbs like the trunks OF
trees, and the haad and shoulders of d
young Hercules.
At my remark he blushed tawny red,
up to theroots of his hair, and made a
sudden movement as if to offer me his
hand; then drew back and choked,
struggling to speak.
Il can be, and | will ben
he muttered at last, hoarsely
and strobe, away to a seat closely
followed by his dog-a savage, ugly look
ing cur, which seemed inseparable from
his master, and. came to school as regu
larly from that day. The dogs name wa'
Tigei and in0ticed that Jake was alway,
considefate'of him, sharing his own din
ner with him,when he was so fortunate a.
to have any,; and once, when the pool
brute came In wet and shaking With the
cold, he gave up his own warm place by
the fire, muttering by way Iof apology, a.
his eyes met mine, that ''the little Gus,
was gittin' old" There seemed to be al
almost human sympathy between them.
j.. One afternoon Jake came in covered
with blood. He had evidently beer
fighting, and what was more remarkable
had got worsted; but he went com
posedly to his seat as if nothing haC
happened. Indeed, quarrels were Sc
common among the scholars that i
they did not bring them into school,
took but little notice of them. SO OF
this occasion said nothing, but | saw
Tige crawl to his masters feet and look
up into his face with questioning
whine He had been doziug comforta
bly, by the fire all the noontime, and SC
had not shared his masters trouble
whatever it was.
Receiving no attention, he finally
squatted down in front of him and pa
tiently watched his angry downcas
face; nor did he have to watch long.
Jake suddenly lifted his eyes ant
flashed a lightning glance at boy who
sat opposite him on the other side of the
room. Then, clearing the distance with
one bound; the dog was.at the offender,
throat And knew it was with him
Tom Carnes--that Jake had quarreled.
/ "Call off the bruteW gasped the fcl
low with terrible oath.
Jake spoke to the dog, who reluctantly
loosed his hold and rising to his feet
stretched out one brawny arm toward his
foe II call him off," he said, 'becaust