Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-28
AFTER MANY DAYS.

The Mason district is not an interest
ing locality. 1t lies among the hills,
but includes also Foundry Hollow, so
that although the children of the thrifty
farmers attend the school, they are far
outnumbered by the children of the Ia
borers at the foundry. Few teachers
care to retain the position after a sin
gle term, vet few schools afford great
er opportunities for doing good,-if
that be the teachers purpose
the ungraded school in the Mason dis
trict.
The sehoolhouse is an unattractive
building, standing alone in clearing,
and separated by rail fence from the
low growth of birch and evergreen
that enclose it on three sides. The
ground slopes from the front to the
road that leads to the ''four corners"
a few rods below. By the low stone
wall opposite the schoolhouse, stands
an oak; under the oak few stones and
boards make up the simple playhouse
where long summer recesses have been
whiled away by happy children.
This schOOlhOuSe was once, long ago,
painted red, and here and there patch
es of color stain the weather-beaten
boards. The high, square windows are
shutterless and curtainleSs. The wide
door bears marks of something more
destructive than the decay that is loOs-
ening the hinges and weakening the
rusty paddock. You have seen it? All,
yes; during a vacation ramble, per-
haps. You thought it a lovely spot
a trine lonely, but the squirrel running
upon the fence, the messy spring
you dipped a cup of water, the pine
needles that carpeted the bank where
you rested, made it place to remem-
Der. Did you mount the stone placed
under the window and look through
the small, grimy pane? You noticed
the desk, the box stove, the implanted
seats, and defaced walls?
Then you know how it looked that
morning when Miss Daniels came in.
Years have passed since, yet the room
is little changed. 1t was midwinter.
Snow had fallen during the night, and
little drifts shut in the first row of
panes on one side of the room, but the
glowing stove sent its heat to the most
remote corner,-that ut least seemed
cheerful.
lit will fair off before noon," pre-
dicted Farmer Haynes at the breakfast
table, and protected by ample wraps,
and provided with generous lunch,
Miss Daniels stepped upon the sled
that seemed the only conveyance over
the unbrokcn road.
Yes said the farmer, presently;
''thcre's smoke coming from the school
house chimney | thought the boys
would be on hand"
The wind had heaped the snow in
diagonal drifts and progress was slow.
1t was past nine o'clock when Miss
Daniels stepped from the sled into the
wide path that had been opened from
the schoolhouse.
''Ill be round for you about two
o'clock" said the farmer, as he turned
his oxen for the homeward Journey.
Only David Holman, the boy who
served as janitor, was present when
Miss Daniels entered. Her greeting
met little response from the StOlid
looking boy who was replenishing the
fire.
Presently, in reply to a question, he
reported the roads ''down below in
an almost impossible condition, and
further gave his opinion that mary
boy or girl would get through the
drifts >
1--WE might as we'll 90 home, then"
said Miss Daniels, looking anXiously
through the window at the receding
oxen. Il suppose you do not care to
stay, David?n
I'D just as lives" replied the boy.
perhaps you can call Mr.. Holman
back; run to the door, David, and see
If you can make him hear YOU"
Nav" said David after a long look
from the window; he's too fur away"
HE wants to STAY thought the
teacher, ''What can | do? Five hours
with that stupid boy!n s#s.,~.. d.
1t added to her perplexity to discov-
er that a book she had intended to
bring had been left behind. There was
absolutely nothing to do but to attend
to David. Taking her Bible, she drew
a chair near the fire and began the US
ual morning exercises. How the day
passed she scarcely knew. 1t seemed
impossible to ascertain whether the
boy understood the subjects under
consideration. Beyond repeating the
precise words of the book he refused
to speak, but in his eyes that seldom
wandered from her face, she fancied
she sometimes read intelligence and
interest. The hours wore slowly away,
and the weary teacher gladly welcom-
ed Mr.. Haynes.
My day has been wasted,'' she said
in reply to his question; 1.-The benches
Of the schoolrOom are not more sense
less and unreSpOnsive than that boy"
Don't say that, replied the farmer;
stDavid Holman has had no chance yet,
but he's from good stock and may
turn out well. They say he's treated
like dog by the man he lives with.
Perhaps your time wasn't wholly vast
ed
A few days later David Holman's
seat was vacant. Upon inquiry, Miss
Daniels learned that he had run away
from his employer, who had taken no
pains to bring him back.
Miss Daniels afterwards spent many
a dreary day in the schoolroom, but
found none so dreary as the one passed
with the dull, silent boy.
Years passed. Miss Daniels was still
teacher, but her schoolroom was a
nd bar 1aI l,ar