The San Francisco call., 1897-04-11

but there were signs of clearing up in the
eastern sky.
1t was the hour of dismissal. but Mr.
Morten had told the scholars that they
might STAY after school and read until it
stopped raining.
Or course the children were glad to have
the opportunity of reading from the
books. Even Johnnie Flynn remained.
He hated school, At least he made be-
lieve he did.
The children were all handed books by
the teacher, who said: "Be careful and
do not soil the pages; if you do you
shall bs punished accordingly"
1t happened that Johnnie was handed a
story of Daniel Boone, which he had read
over and over many times. and, as he de-
clared, he was sick and tired of it. His
seatmate, a handsome. bright-eyed boy of
10. was reading q manuscript entitled,
Tine Life of Washington"
"Will you trade books?" asked Johnnie
of his seatmate.
II want to read thi. myself" answered
the boy Harry Banks by name).
will you trade or not?" asked Johnnie,
angrily.
tested Harry; II have read"
He was interrupted by a bov in the
back of the room, who asked in an under
tone, Are you going to play third base
tor US tom orrow?"
Hsrry turned. nodded assent and then
turned round in his seat again. He was
about to resume his reading, when he hap
pened TO glance up at the top of the page.
He dropped the manuscript in surprise.
Mr.. Morten, who noticed the boys
action, walked across the room to where
he was sitting and asked, What is the
matter, my boy?'
Harry held up the manuscript with
tears in his eyes. He said nothing.
Mr.. Morten took it from his hand, and
advancing to the front of the room he ad-
dressed the scholars thus: Pupils, L be-
lieve that 1 have informed you of the rule
in regard to these books" He paused a
moment and then held up the manuscript
in plain view. There on the upper por-
tion Of the sheet was large spot of ink,
which had not yet dried.
The teacher, after pausing a few mo-
ments, continued. 81 have not yet chosen
punishment that l think severe enough
to inflict upon the pupil who has been
so careless as to spill ink upon manu-
script which, as l have mentioned before
is worth more than any other book in our
collection. l have, therefore, left the de-
cision to you. II any one can mention q
punishment that they consider severe
enough / wish they would do so''
There was a shuffiing of feet and John
ME Flynn quickly stood erect beside his
desk.
81 think" he said, that hard thrash
ing would be as good as anything"
Mr.. Morten looked at him a moment
and then added, very WELL" and turning
to Harry, he said: You, Harry, may
stay after the others have gone"
The teachers last words were followed
by a series OF deep sobs and little eight
year old girl who had watched all in si-
lence broke out: Harry didn't put that
blot on there; no, no. l know he didn't
l couldn't help seeing"
It was Johnnies own little sister who
spoke.
The teacher was silent for moment,
but at length ne said, "Well, Bessie, can
you name the guilty person?"
Bessie sobbed. Eyes, 1 can, sir" and
she looked toward her brother.
The teacher followed her glance Then,
turning to Johnnie, he said: MY boy,
what have you to say about il2'
| "Well," was the reply, II guess had
better give up and tell the truth. Harry
wouldn't trade books and got angry and