The Madisonian. (Virginia City, Mont.) 1873-1915, 1895-01-19

direction. 1t produced in Sam a senti-
ment of profound respect for the young
lady.
II have always been unruly in
school," he said, land many is the
teachers as hev feared me. But you ap-
pear like a lady, and as far as l am con
cerned you shall hev no trouble. And
mebbe I can ever assist you in keepin
others quiet. At any rate, you need not
be afraid that you will be rudely treated
while l am around"
Scarcely had the pupils been seated
when the big boys glanced at Sam for a
signal to begin creating a disturbance.
But San did not notice them. He gave
constant attention to his books. During
the whole day there was perfect order
in the schoolroom.
In the evening Sam, who, to reach mis-
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 a
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 q
bright polish was visible on his boots.
"Hello! Here comes u dude!" 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?'
"Oh, I just want to look respectable,
that's all, " said Sam. "You see we've
got a teacher who knows something
now for once, and I consider under
these circumstances that I 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 a jest.
"But, leavin all jokes aside, when
do we begin o~perations" queried John.
II 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.
"Boys, I'm not with you this TERM"
replied Sam.
"What! You're not goin back on Us,
are you? anxiously inquired John.
"You certainly don't propose to forsake
US in this way. Sam, this is a capital
joke you're tryin to play on u.s."
But I am serious, boys" said Sam.
'I'm old enough to know how valuable
is an education. Miss Thomas is a good
teacher, and I spect to learn somethin
this term"
The school had been in session less
than Is minutes when John sent a 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.
"Have you been throwing these paper
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.
L ICChOu uOC, od1u COEu.
"You must obey my command, or
will be compelled to send you home, -
said Miss Thomas.
Il refuse to do either, " was the an
swer. "I'll not stand on the floor, nor
will I leave school. I'll stay right here
and do as I please"
The teacher became alarmed. Her
face grew as pale as death, and her
frame trembled. She bent her head,
looked to the floor and reflected on what
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
commanding voice. "Do you hear what
( say?"
The teacher was aroused from hel
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 a word the offender quietly
walked forward and took his position
on the floor.
From that day Laura Thomas en-
countered no further difficulties. The
big boys respected the will of Sam, and
instead of racking their brains to invent
schemes with which to harass the teach
er they applied themselves vigorously
to their studies. The children made re-