Sequachee Valley news. (Sequachee [Sequatchie], Tenn.) 1896-1952, 1898-12-08


watching the somewhat rough sports Of
tho pupils, his preseDce attracted rath-
or more attention than ordinarily was
WAS accorded TO newcomer Soon he
seemed to become aware that he was
the centre Of great many curious
Rlances and moved away in the direction
of the school buildings.
The appearance Of the new conner
Was somewhat remarkable. His face
would have attracted moro than passing
notice anywhere, for his features were
regular and delicate, and he had the
finest pair Of eyes ever saw. Ills body
however was bent, dwarfed and misshap-
on, and he walked with painful limp.
"Hello, HumpyV
This courteous salutation, addressed
to the new conner, proceeded from the
lips of . shOck-hoaded, overgrown BOY Of
about fourteen summers, who reioiced
lin the cOgnOmen OF job Eldridge. 1t
seemed ~ fall on unheeding ears, how
ever, and Ivan Raleigh pursued the
even tenor Of his way across the grounds,
bis face giving no indication OF sus-
picion that the words were intended for
him.
''Sly, young TELLER, said Job, placing
himself directly in IVan's path, "you
want to speak when you're spoken to. "
II beg your pardon, | did not hear
YOu call nay name" said tho new arrival
with serene politenoss.
I'VE have our own names for folks In
this school and don't you forget 1t.
Yourn's Humpy."
"The name does not happen to suit
me, and shall not answer to it," said
the still undisturbed stranger.
"Ses here, kid" said tho perecutor,
Ell you 20 to bein' too indop1ndent and
sassy, you'll sec trouble. How'd yOn
happen to have 50 much head and so lit
tie bOdy?"
''EoF the same reason that you hap
pen to have 90 much mouth and so few
braIns--l MAS born that way"
The shout OF laughter that greeted
this sAlloy convinced job that he was
not winning many lAur"ls In this wordy
encounter with hlssharp-tOngucd, little
adversary, and his treckled face flushed
with anger. Seeing that the new boys
hndaunted demeanor and spirited replies
we're likely TO get him into trouble, and
indignant that one In his crippled con
ditton should be subjected to such treat
ment, / pressed forward determined tC
interfere in his defence If necessary.
True, / somewhat doubted my ability
TO cope with so formidable an antagonist
As Job Eldridgs, who OVertopped me
BY head, but made up my mind tC
stand between the little hunch back and
bodily harm, and, in cas-" of conflict,
20 give az good an accOunCof myself a.
possible. Something in my appearance
must have told OF my intention, for a
that moment felt u hand on my should
or, and, turning, ! saw my seatmat'
and chum, Charlie Mason, by my side
his handsome face pale with anger.
Leave him to me-" be said, unde
his breath, as he pushed himself il
front Of me, and edged up toward Job.
'SAy, you" said the latter iRdividua
loudly, after the applause evoked by hi
victims last thrust has somewhat sub
sided, iii you wasn't cripple L
punch your head" and he shook his is
thr"ateningly.
III were not cripple" was tn
sturdy response, you'd be too cowardl
70 try It."
This was too much for the patience {
Job, whose moral characteristics did nc
in the least resemble those of his illuI
trious and venSrAted namesake, and h
drew back his hand aud struck the cril
pie boy a sharp blow in the face.
''l'll teach you" be began.
'And III Grach yOu!" cried rinRin
voice as Charlie Mason sprang into u
circle that had formed around yOun
Raleigh and his brutal "ssailant an
dealt job = blow full in the mouth thu
A Al A. A.. him FnlliF
on the grass. This thing has gone Il
far"
lob slowly rogained his feet tho
oughly surprised and somewhat cove
and gazOd about him in a dazed and u
decided manner.
IT'S mean trick to strike tellC
whom hO ain't looking out for II,
said. in half whining tone.
well, | give you notice now that y
want to be looking out for IL when y
abuse this young fellow in the tutuI
II you don't believe ME, try it,"
Charlie was not naturally Quarr'
some hoy, but his innate chlvalry a.
love OF fair play frequently broug
him into collision with such OF his ass
ciatas as we're inclined TO impose up
and dominoer over those smaller a
weaker than themselves. Tho tre'
ment that young Raleigh bad receiy
At the hands Of job had aroused his ]
diRnatlon 70 white heat and, cou
SEQ as he stood calmly watching I
bully's every movement that ho look
forward to the expected conflict WI
no feeling OF aversion. Job, howev'
did not set about avenging the blow
had received with the alacrity that
boys seemed To expect, but stood tryi
20 staunch the blood that aowed IL
his lip, and regarding Charlie with
malignant look Ia bis little whttish-bl
ewes. His evident reluctance TO 5
tie The matter, as they termed II,
looked upon by bis fellows With
aatisfactiOn that soon began 10 eKpr
itself 10 very audible murmurs
, Jobs going % hunk-oh eriek
cried . little fellow, who had irequon
been the victim OF Jobs badgering,
the delighted lad uttered a deris
howl, which being taken up BY . g
Of voices, rang through the sen
grounds like q Seminole war whoop
Al this sound Jobs whole appoara
changed. The wicked look In bis q
doepened into . glare Of rage,
ellnching bis hsts, be advanced thF'
anlnglg upon my ohum.
Charlie Mason, be said hoarselys
you want lickin'3'