Wichita eagle., 1889-05-18
THE YANKEE TEACHER,
A Tale Of Discipline That Ends
Delightfully."-.

Delightfully."-.
ga Yankee school-teacher, eh?" said
Johnny Bligh. you'll see how soon We'll
pitch him out of doorsl l Flow Western
men is good enough fo- usl''
John, don't talk So" said his stepmoth.
er, a high-shouldered, freckled woman, with
watery blue eyes and chronic drawl.
But she smiled as she said it, and min
ute or so later the boy heard her telling a
neighbor who had "stepped i'm to borrow a
postage stamp and sheet Of paper, "what
fine spirit our Johnny has"
81 guess likely you behave yourself,
Jack" said Gilbert, the big brother, who
was mending harness out in the shed, when
John began to air his boasts out there, ''or
else you'll get a frst-class thrashing when
you come back"
Eve don't want no Yanks foolin' round
here" said John, sullenly
''Our folks was Yanks afore they was
Westerners," sagely observed Gilbert
"All the same, though, wish Joe Holey'd
got the place instead o. this Rhode Island
fellow. Joe's good neighbor, and he's got
right smart o. book learnin'."
Gil" said John, leaning both elbows on
the shed window, ''why don't you go in for
schoolin'!n
Reckon I've got enough to pass IN a
crowd" said Gilbert, boring a series of
holes In a ck-strap.
mo great, though" retorted John. 'You
can read-and you can write-and that's
about ALL
I've always had something else to think
of when deestrick school was OPEN" said
Gilbert, composedly. Times has been
brisk since father died. But we've pretty
nigh squared up the work now, and if this
Yank is pretty mlddlin' smart, may take a
Surn at my books some time in the winter.
I've always thought should like to see into
what they call geometry. Joe Hollcy can't
teach that"
mo more can the Yanlk, I don't reckon"
said disaffected John.
Evidently his theories and those of the
new teacher came into active conflict, for
the next day, the first of the school quarter,
he came numbering home at noon.
Teachers took away my books, and
won't let me hev' my dinner-basket," SAID
he. "And I'm hun-n-n-gry
"The poor creature!" whined Mrs Bigh,
fnstinctively cutting g gigantic wedge OF
pumpkin pie, and looking around for the
cheese.
Don't stop for that now, mother" said
Hilbert, setting his teeth together. "Come
with me, John. Wen look into this bust
ness"
Never WAS mile more rapidly traversed
than that expanse of dreary pines and sere
grass that lay between the district school
house and the Bngh farm. John, running
with all his breathless might, could scarcely
keep pace with his brothers long, swinging
strides.
Gilbert's face was dark; his eyes sparkled
DminoUsly. John glanced at him now and
then with scarcely subdued awe.
''Gil's proper mad he said TO himself.
sand when Gils mad it means suthin'"
Arrived at the little red brick building at
the cross roads Bligh pushed the door open
and strobe fiercely in.
Now, them" said he, what's this about
bullying little Jack Blight I'll know the
reason of it, or III"
He stopped abruptly. Instead of the tall,
ungainly Yankee whom he had expected 10
zee behind the desk, trim, pretty young
girl, with iet-black hair and complexion
ike ripe peach, rose from the pedagogical
chair.
WELL" said she, composedly, "what is
wanting' Do you know, young man, that
1t is the custom in civilized countries to
knock at the door before you come ni
Children" to the little flock, who, with one
accord, had raised their heads, sail this
does not in the least concern you. Mind
your lessons. John Bligh, take your seat"
81 WON'T" clustered Johnny, emboldened
by the presence of his tall brother.
Gimme my dinner basket. Lemme have
my books"
~ want to know" began Gilbert Bngh,
''what right you have"
Miss Root-"Emma Abigail Root it was
in the school certifcate-raised warning
finger.
"Silencer' she cried. Leave this room
at oncel will not have my discipline in
terfered within
'I-won'tln again bawled the belligerent
Johnny.
The children held their breath.
Miss Root took in the situation at once,
and briskly Selling the young rebel by the
coat-collar, walked him into the book-closet
and turned the key in the door.
Gilbert advanced to rescue him, but while
he stood chivalrously unwilling to lay
violent hands on awoman, Miss Root turned
upon him and took him by the wrist, as if
he had been child.
"Did YOU hear me tell you to gof' said
she, and put him out at the door without
further ceremony.
a thrill ran through the little audience.
The school-ma'a am had triuClphed over law
less Johnny Bligh, and afterward con-
ouered his big brother. Her rule was
thoroughly established now; there would
De no further fear of revolt.
Calmly Miss Root returned 10 the little
wooden platform upon which stood her
chair and desk.
Now, Peter Dorsey" said she, "you may
give me the boundaries Of South Carolina
over again"
AND business went on just as it had done
before.
by Georgew muttered Gilbert Blgh,
outside, ''ain't she plucky little thingi
Well, suppose may as well go home.
reckon Jack will have to work out his own
salvation Tor all Of me. How those black
eyes did snap, thought;
To Gilbert's infinite arnusemeut-some-
what TO his discomfture-when he came in