Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1895-01-08
NEW SERIES, VOL. xxx. NO. ?.


constant attention to his books. During
the whole day there was perfect order
in the sohoolroom.
/ In the evening Sam, who, to reach his
home, was obliged to pass the house in
which the teacher boarded. walked by
the side of the latter and carried her
books and dinner pail. Never before
had he paid such polite attention to
tutoress.
The next morning he went to school
in a costume which differed wonderful
ly from the one which he wore ON the
previous day. He wore his best clothes.
his face was smoothly shaved, and
bright polish was visible ON his boots.
.'Hellol Here comes our dudep' cried
! John Sanders when Sam arrived in
the yard. Just look at him. boys. Say,
Sam, what's the matter with you any
how? What do you mean by layin us
poor fellows in the shade like this?'
ooh, just want to look respectable,
that's all, - said Sam. lyon see we've
got teacher who knows something
now for once, and I consider under
these circumstances that 1 should ap
pear decent in the -schoolroom.
Sans four big schoolmates laughed
heartily at these words. They accepted
them as having been uttered in the
spirit of jest.
.'But, leayin all jokes aside. when
do We begin operationss'' queried John.
''I don't understand you, said Sam,
feigning ignorance
Why, when are we to take charge OF
this school and run it to suit ourselves"
explained John.
/ ,.,1k- 4,
replied Sam.
"whatl You're not goin back ON us,
are you?' anxiously inquired John.
us in this way. Sam, this is capital
joke you re tryin to play ON us. Z"
"But am serious, boys" Z" said Sam.
''I'm old enough to know how valuable
is an education. Miss Thomas is good
teacher, and 1 spect to learn somethin
this term"
The school had been in session less
than 10 minutes when John sent q pa
per wad flying across the room. An out
break of laughter followed, in which
nearly all the pupils participated.
Emboldened by this applause, John
threw several other balls. The teacher
detected him.
1
balls?" she asked, looking straight at
the perpetrator of the mischief
"Yep," coolly replied John.
"You may come forward with your
book and stand ON the floor, - firmly
demanded the teacher.
ST reckon not" said John.
"'You must obey my command, or I
will be compelled to send you home"
said Miss Thomas.
''I refuse to do either" was the an
swer. 'I'll not stand ON the floor, nor
will 1 leave school. I'll stay right here
and do as please. -
The teacher became alarmed. Her
face grew rs pale as death, and her
frame trembled. She bent her head,
course to pursue.
Sam Gaines sat silent in his seat dur
ing this brief dialogue. When the sound
of Johns last words had died away, he
arose, took off his coat and advanced
toward the disobedient pupil His eyes
flashed, and his brawny arm was uplift-
ed.
$50 and stand on the floor or take
your books and be off, " he shouted in a
commanding voice. do you hear what
say?"
The teacher was aroused from her
meditations and looked up. Then she
saw that John Sanders quailed beneath
the stern and angry gaze of the one
time disturber of the peace. Without
saying word the offender quietly
walked forward and took his position
on the floor.
From that day Laura Thomas en-
/ hn
big boys respected the will of Sam, and
instead of raclring their brains to invent
schemes with which to harass the teach
er they applied themselves vigorously
to their studies The children made re-
markable progress. and at the close OF
the term folks declared that Miss Thom-
as was the best teacher who ever taught
in district No. 6.
After adjournment on the last day OF
school Sam fingered at the door. He
was waiting for the schoolma' am in or
der that he might walk home with her.
Soon fashionably dressed gentleman,
wearing silk hat, drove into the yard
in buggy drawn by span Of hand
some black horses. The teacher seemed
to expect him, for she Immediately gath
cred together her books, and after thank
ing sam Ior his many acts OA AIhuHes1
left the room and got into the buggy.
Sam watched the vehicle with look
of detection until it had entirely disap-
peared from view.
"who is the young man who took
the teacher away?'' he inquired Of one
of the older girls.
"Why, that is her bean, Charlie Lay
top," was the response t'They are t.
be married in two weeks
Sam ground his teeth, and a shadow
passed over his face.
EFF had knowed that, )" he said bit
terIy, miss Laura Thomas last tern
!, , of school would ha' been broke up long
fore this. - Chicago News
a Lucky Purchase.
rr1,a AFa,oLas+ar C,o,,rier saws that