The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1892-08-05
'sTouch that flag if Won darer,

y
Both men looked and were startled to
find themselves confronting the danger
Gus end of gun barrel, which in the
hands of the plucky little teacher looked
cold and unsympathetic. A hasty glance
was sufficient to assure johnson that he
was in an undesirable locality. His
courage might be equal to forcing an en-
trance into a deserted school building in
the night, but it did not stand the test of
a rife in the hands Of the little teacher.
who handled it as though she knew how
to use it, and he skunk toward the gate.
Welsh, however, stood his ground. He
had come there to take down the flag
and level the pole with the ground and
he hated to be thwarted. He looked
into the resolute face of Miss Fenton,
and his eye caught the CLINT of the
cleaning barrel. He finched as he met
her steadfast gaze and stood irresolute.
"Leave here at oncer' ordered Miss
Fenton.
He heard the command and dared not
disregard it. He turned, and with an
attempt at defiant air moved toward
his companion, who was already skulk-
ing down the road.
Miss Fenton watched them until they
had put considerable distance between
themselves and the flag. Her face was
pale and her agitation showed how
great had been the strain upon her.
Trembling, she turned toward the little
school building, dazed by what had &C.
Cured during the last few minutes.
The pupils had in the meantime come
into the yard and the girls huddled
around her, while the boy who first
espied the intruders, true to the boy
nature, proceeded to take to himself the
glory of their defeat.
The news was not long in reaching
the town, where the theft of the first
flag still furnished topic for specula-
ton.
Johnson and Welsh We're seen no more
in the neighborhood.
The people in Columbia Corners
found many ways in which to express
their appreciation of Miss Fenton's
worth. Her heroism had captured the
hearts of the people. She not only had
gained the confidence of the parents and
the devoted allegiance of the pupils, but
she also found herself the recipient of
various sorts Of testimonials from the
several orders and organizations of the
neighborhood, who fell into a way of
outdoing one another in evidence of
their admiration for her courage.
The story of her undaunted confront
ing of the ruffians in the defense of the
flag travelled through the newspapers of
all the states, often given, it must be
with original variations of
coloring. But she had become hero
inc of the people. The unique oppor-
tunity which had been thrust upon her
of doing a really daring thing for the
emblem was of the sort that
to the imagination, and made
for her happy fame. But in spite of
desirable invitations to other schools |
Miss Fenton remained at her humble |
desk at the Corners for two years.
Then the principalship of the Aurora
Literary Institute for young ladies was
pressed upon her in such terms that she |
could no longer refuse to accept the |
larger responsibilities.
Mr.. Williams is still a member of the
school committee of Columbia Corners,
md he never drives by the school house
without stopping to look at the stars and
stripes which are raised every morning
# the session. If friend is with him
lie always relates the story of Miss Fen
on's school flag movement and her de-
ense of it. And now the young ones
ret out and cheer old Glory every day.
And when there is an anniversary of
nything big in the history of the coun.
~ they have TO have a time over II
round the fagpole. Columbus Day is
oming, and were not going to be out
one here by any school in the state
III the folks round in the district arr
Ding to come here and help the schoo
Celebrate old Columbus. We've got to
ct a new flag for that day, | reckon; tina.
ne is getting to look like one of our old
attlehags." Then he goes back to Miss
enton, who started it all. and after
ividly describing how the mild looking
sacher baked the two ruffians. usual
7 winds up by remarking, You re-
Iember Josh Billings saws you can't al
avs tell how far a toad'll jump by look
IL at him." HAROLD ROBERTS.