The Port Gibson reveille. [volume] (Port Gibson, Miss.) 1890-current, 1890-12-31
THE YANKEE TEACHER.
A Tale of Discipline That Ends
Delightfully."-.

"a Yankee school-teacher, ehl' said
Johnny Bligh. you'll see how soon We'll
pitch him out Of doors low Western
men Is good enough fo- usr'
.John. don't talk so. +" said his stepmoth-
er, high-shouldered, frcckled woman, with
watery blue eyes and chronic drawL
But sue smiled as she said it, and min
ute or so later the boy heard her telling
neighbor who had ''stepped in TO borrow
postage stamp and a sheet OF paper, "what
fine spirit our Johnny has"
IL guess likely you behave yourself,
Jack said Gilbert, the big brother, who
was mcnding harness out in the shed. when
John began TO air his boasts out there, ''or
else you'll get first-class thrashing when
you come lack"
"We don't want no Nanks foolin' round
here" said John. sullenly.
s-Our folks was Yanks afore they was
Westerners,m sagely observed Gilbert
''Ali the same, though. wish Joe Holley'd
got the place instead o. this Rhode Island
fellow. JOe's good nrighbor. and he's got
q right smart o. book learnin'."
"G.l,' said John, leaning both elbows on
the shed window, WAY don't you go Ia for
schOOlin'f'
Reckon I've got enough to pass IN
crowd" said Gilbert, boring series OF
holes in a check strap.
mo great, though" retorted John "Nou
can read and you can write-and that's
about all >
"I've always had something else TO think
Of when decstrick school was OPEN" said
Gilbert, compOsedly. "Times has been
brisk since father died. But we've pretty
nigh squared up the work now, and II this
Yank Is pretty mddlm smart, may take
turn ut my books some time in the winter.
I've always thought should like 10 see into
what they call geome ry. Joe Holey can
teach thatr'
.No more can the Yank, don't reckon"
said disaffected John.
Evidently his theories and those Of the
new teacher came into active conflict, Tor
the next dav, the first Of the school quarter,
he came blubbering home at noon.
ssTeacher's took away my books. and
won't let me hev' my .nner-basket,'' SAID
he. "And I'm hun-n-n-gryw
ssThe poor creaturei" whined Mrs. Bligh,
instinctively cutting a gigantic wedge Of
pumpkin pie, and looking around for the
cheese.
"Don't stop for that now, MOTHER" said
Gilbert, setting his teeth together. "Come
with me, John. Wen look into this busi-
ness"
Never was mile more rapidly traversed
than that expanse Of drcary pines and sere
grass that lay between the district school
house and the Bligh farm. John, running
with all his breathless might, could scarcely
keeppace with his brothers long, swinging
strides.
Gilbert's face was dark; his eyes sparkled
ominously. John glanced at him now and
then with scarcely subdued awe.
"Giis proper mad" he said 10 himself
.And when Gil's mad 1t means suthin'."
Arrived at the little rcd brick building at
the cross roads Bligh pushed the door open
and strobe fiercely in.
"Now, then,n said he, whats this about
bullying little Jack Blight I'll know the
reason OF 1t, or III"
He stopped abruptly. Instead OF the tail,
unQainly Yankee whom he had expected 70
see behind the desk, a trim, pretty young
girl, with jet-black hair and a complexion
like ripe peach, rose from the pedagogical
chair.
"well," said she. composodly, 'swhat is
wantingl Do you know, young man, that
Il Is the custom In civilized countries 10
knock at the door before you come inl
Children" 10 the little flock, who, with one
accord, had raised their heads, call this
does not in the least concern you. Mind
your lessons. Jonn 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"
II want 10 know" began Gilbert Bligh,
"what right you have"
Mss Root-"Emma Abigail Root" II was
in the school certifcate-raised a warning
finger.
.snencer' she cried. ''Lcave this room
at oncel will not have my discipline in
terfered withr'
sI-won'tr' again bawled the belligerent
Johnny.
The children held their breath.
Miss Root took in the situation at once,
and briskly seizing 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 II
he had been a child.
s.Did you hear me tell you 10 gof' said
she. aud put him out az the door without
further ceremony.
A thrill ran through the little audience.
The school-ma'am had triumphed over law
less Johnny Bligh, and afierward con-
ouered his big brother. Her rule was
thoroughly established nows there would
be no further fear OF revolt.
Calmly Miss Root returned TO tho little
wooden platform upon which stood her
chair and desk.
snow, Peter Dorsey,"s S Id she, "you may