The Afro-American advance., 1899-09-23
JOE.
By z. L. BROWN.

A VIM a y ~ ~ - Nata hEb
"A school In southern Nebraska,
which was only thinly settled in those
days. But the few settlers were hardy
men and women. living honest lives,
and going ON slowly but steadily 10
prosperity. and had a pleasant time
among them.
My sehoolhouse was a very primitive
affair indeed. II was small, nnpainted
and upholstered, but had good floor
and fairly comfortable seats and my
pupils, of whom there were q, were
mostly hearty, wholesome boys and
girls.
One warm day in spring opened the
windows and doors 10 let in the genial
sunshine aud was busy with my classes,
when in walked a strange boy. whom
had never seen In the neighborhood.
lie was thickly freekled, had red hair,
and was poarly dressed. but was very
clean. lie came directly to my desk.
'May | come to school teuehcr7" he
asked. locking at me earnestly.
"Where do you live, my boy 2" ques-
toned.
Just back here by the edge Of the
woods" he replied,
"What Is your name9" | asked
".Ioc Norton" said he; adding: ave
just moved here"
"Well, Joseph, said I. you may come
10 school. "Come this afternoon, and
bring all your books"
a bright look came Into his face as !
said this, but he made no reply, ana
went out as uncercmoniously as he
came.
He made "A queer picture as he went
down the aisle. His clothing was
patched. his coat was too big for him,
ard he carried large, ragged hat in
his hand, Hut he held up his head in a
self.rcspectng way. and | felt sure that
Joe Morton was good and manly, and ]
resolved to help him all could.
was afraid he might not have a very
pleasant time with certain few of the
boys; for, although they really were
not bad boys at heart they were much
given TO making fun OF any newcomer.
aud sometimes made II very unpleasant
for boy who seemed odd or strange TO
/ them.
The leader Of this set was Tom Ath.
erton, a bright boy, but one who had
very little kindly feeling for any one In
school excepting his little sister Pearl
Pearl Athcrtun was about seven years
old aud the most beautiful child have
ever seen. Tom loved her with a love
that was almost worship; but 10 the
rest OF the pupils he was something oi
a tease aud torment. always teasing
and making fun of some one, and some.
times In most thoughtless, unkind
/ way.
had many serious talks with him on
the subject, hut as soon ms he was out
| OF the schoolroom he seemed TO for
get. and went back 20 his old Ways
As Joe went down the aisle glanced
at Tom. and saw that his eyes were
twlnkling mlschievously, which | was
sure bodied 40 good to Joe, but though,
he would he able to defend himself
la the afternoon Joe came. and. after
! had assigned his lessons. took his scat
quietly.
At recess heard Toms voice singing
Gut;
II know a boy whose name Ia Joe,
With boots al out AZ the toe, toe, toe"
heard no answer from Joe. and soou
Tom said. mockiagly;
'What am offered for the hate Rid
| quick, The only one left that came out
of the ark, How much am offered
! XNb.sn s..a4s. "A s,,,.. a.,ttanR Kkyh hstt 40. 4
| II one tleilars"
Aud 40 il went from day to day. Ton
saving unklnd. ieering things as soor
as he supposed himself out of sight, and
Joe taking Il quietly. Sometimes 4
| quick flush would pass over his face
aud his lips would quiScr. hut no wor,
escaped him.
| thought best To appear not TO know
what was going on between them
thinking il wp0d soon wear itself out
and perhaps Joe would feel better I,
think | did not knew. but | kept hin
with me as uRteh as could ard grew 1,
like him very mueh.
lie made rapid progress in his studies
and his everyday life showed strength
of character.
could always depend on hi,a 10 tel
the truth on every occasion, end look
Ing into his earnest face. would Tor
&c, the haggy clothes. the fiery red hair
aud the ragged hat
N0s far frnm the schcolhause was
wide. deep strcam Of water. which raj
dank and tarhid in the spring. Il va
crossed by toothridgr With a railinl
On both sides. Nearly halt the chil.lFsi
ero&ard this bridge 10 get 10 school.
On pirasant days we often sat on th