The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1899-11-10
Joe.

Twenty-Five years ago taught !, school
in southern Nebraska. which was only
thinly settled in those days. But the few
settlers were hardy men and women. liv-
ing honest lives, and going on slowly but
steadily to prosperity, and l had Il pleas
ant time among them.
My SchDUlhCuSc WAS Il very primitive
affair indeed. 1t was small, unptnte,
and upholstered. but had il good floor
and fairly comfortable seats, and my pu-
| pills, Of whom there were twcnty-two,
were mostly Ii, arty. wholesome boys and
girls.
One warm day in spring opened the
windows and doors to let in the genial
sunshine and was busy with my classes,
when in walked a strange boy, whom
had never seen in the ncighborhood.
Ie was thickly frrckled. had red hair,
and was poorly dressed, but was very
| May | come to school, teacher?' he
asked. looking at me earnestly.
! where do you live, my boy" I Qucs-
toned.
Just back here by the edge of the
woods" he replied
What is your name?'' asked.
Joe Norton" said he. adding: I'VE
| just moved here.
well. Joseph" said l. "you may come
to schoo]. Como this afternoon, and bring
! all your books
| 4 bright look came into his face as l
said this. but he made no reply, and went
out as unrcrcmoniousy as he came.
He made Il queer picture as he went
down the aisle. His clothing was pat chcd,
his coat was too big for him, and he car
rcd a large. ragged hat in his hand.
But he held up his head in a self-rcSpcct-
ing way. and | felt sure that Joe Morton
was good and manly, and / resolved to
help him all I could
| | WaS afraid he might not have a very
pleasant time with Il certain few Of the
boys: for, although they really We're not
to making fun Of any newcomer. and
sometimes made it very unpleasant for a
boy who seemed odd or strange to them.
| The leader of this ser was Tom Athcr-
ton, bright hoy, but enc who had very
little kindly feeling for anyone in school,
excepting his little sister Pearl.
Pearl .Athyrton was about I years old
seen. Tom loved her with a love that
was almost worship: hut to the rest of
| the pupils he was something of Il tease
and a torment, always teasing and max
ing fun of some one. and sometimes in !,
most thoughtless, unkind way.
| nau many serious talks with INN on
the subject, but as soon as he was out of
the SchoolroOm. he seemed to forget. and
went back to his old ways.
AS Joe went down the aisle | glanced
at Tom, and saw that his eyes were
twinkling mischieyously. which | was
sure BODIED no good to Joe. but thought
he would he able to defend himself
In the afternoon Joe came. and. after
| had assigned his lessons. took his seat
quietly.
At recess | heard TENS voice singing
| cut:
! know a boy whose name is Joe.
| With boots all out at the toe toe. toe.
| l heard no answer from Joe. and soon
Tom said, mockinsly:
What am | offered fer the hat? Bic
quick! The only enc left that came
cut CT the ark. How much am I Of.
fcrcd:. Who'll make it 81? Who'll
make it $1?''
And so it went from day to day. Ton
saying unkind. jccriny things as soon AZ
he supposed himself out Of sight, ard 10,
taking it quietly. Sometimes quick
flush would pass over his face. and his
lips would CULVER but no word escaped
him.
l thought best to appear net to know