The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1889-05-18

y
carefully on the top of the stove.
Discovering the trick, Tarbox was
about to make great haste in descend
ina to his companions, but. before he
could close the window, Wilkins
sDrang to it and caught him by the
collar. Tarbox feared his enemy
would tumble him headlong to the
ground, endangering his life and
limbs, but he misjudged the man.
Wilkins was merciful Wilkins
was cool and cautious. Instead of
pitching Tarbox from the top OF the
ladder where he stood. he seized him
firmly and resolutely, and dragged
him by main strength through the
window.
"If you make the least resistance,
Mr.. Tarbox." muttered the peda.
gogue. "I'lf fog you within an inch
of your life"
If Tarbox had any idea at first Of
putting Mr.. Wilkins to the trouble of
carrying his threat into execution, he
Immediately changed his mind when
he lifted up his eyes in agony. and
saw the savage features of his master
directly over him. He accordingly
surrendered himself at once, and
quickly followed the pedagogue into
a small closet near by, where he suf-
fered himself to be deliberately lock-
ed up.
Having thus easily disposed of
Tarbox, Wilkins returned in haste to
the widow. He was just in time to
seize Tanner, who was boldly mount.
ing to the assistance of his compan-
ion. Wilkins dragged him in. and
threatened Twiggs, who was already
half way up the. ladder, to tumble
him down if he did not Immediately
descend. TWiggs scampered to the
ground without waiting for another
invitation, and the schoolmaster has
tened to dispose of his second victim.
Tanner was not so easily conquered
as Tarbox but after being put to the
trouble of picking himself up three
times, he concluded not to tempt the
fist of the powerful schootnaster
again, and quietly submitted. Will
kins led him to the entry, pitched
him down the stairs, and locking the
door behind him to prevent his re-
turn, went back to the school room.
He found Twiggs on the ladder, he
having mounted to see in what man.
ner his companions had SO mysteri-
ously disappeared. Seeing Wilkins.
he began to descend, but thought fit
to pause when he heard the terrific
threat that if he proceeded another
foot the ladder would he thrown over
upon him. Next, wilkins ordered
him to ascend. His hand was on the
top round of the ladder as he spoke,
and Twiggs dared not disobey. He
slowly climbed up and had the pleas.
ure his companion had before him, of
being dragged through the window.
"You are the last, but not the
least" observed the schOolmaster,
with a smiIe. as he led his submissive
pupil across the room, land Pm
bothered to know what to do with
you. Tarbox is in the closet there,
and Tanner is trying to make through
the outside door, which one of you
had the goodness to lock, in order to
keep ne in. / mustn't put you with
either of them, and have an equally
strong dislike to letting you run at
large. All, l have it! 1 will tie you
upP
This said Mr.. Wilkins produced
strong cord from the table draw, tied
his unresisting pupils hands behind
his back, and bound him to one of
the benches.
Nov. be so good as to inform me
which of you locked the outside
door," ssid Wilkins.
"Tarbox and 1 didn't have moth.
in to do with it," replied Twiggs.
"Aud Tarbox took the key ?"
"Yes. SIR"
"Thank you; I will speak with
Mr.. Tarbox on the subject"
Wilkins proceeded to the closet.
He found Tarbox sitting on the floor
like Turk. He looked up with
silly grin when his teacher entered
but he immediate looked down again.
"Have you the key ?" demanded
Wilkins.
Upon which, without saying a
word, Mr.. Tarbox took the required
article from his pocket. The school
master thanked him, wished him
good evening and retired.
Tarbox was once more locked up in
the closet.
Mr.. Wilkins then begged of Mr..
Twiggs not to make himself uncom-
Portable by tugging at the cords
which confined his hands, but to re.