Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1900-02-01

/ I'NENl1-tlNk years ago 1 taught
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 to
prosperity, and / had a pleasant time
among them.
My schoolhouse was a very primitive
affair indeed. II was small, implanted
and upholstered, but had a good floor
aud fairly comfortable seats; and my
pupils, of whom there were %, were
mostly hearty, 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 neighborhood.
lie was thickly freckled, had red hair,
and was poorly dressed, but was very
clean. He came directly to my desk.
MAY come 10 school, teacher?' he
asked, looking at me earnestly.
where do you live, my boy2'' ques-
toned.
Just back here by the edge OF the
woods he replied.
what is your name?' / asked.
Joe Morton" said he; adding; 1--WE
Just moved here"
well, Joseph, said I, you may come
10 school Come this afternoon, and
t--;,... al ,r1ur hnoleH
4 bright look came into his face as ]
said this. but he made no reply, and
went out as unccremoniously as he
came.
lie made a queer picture.as he went
down the aisle. His clothing was
patched. his coat was too big for him,
aud lac carried a large, ragged hat in
his hand. But he held up his head in
self-respecting way, and felt sure that
Joe Morton was good and manly, and J
resolved 10 help him all ! could.
was afraid lie might not have a very
nleasant time with a 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
and sometimes made it very unpleasant
for boy who seemed odd or strange 10
them.
The leader Of this set was Tom Ath-
erton. bright boy. but one who had
very little kindly feeling for any one in
school. excepting his little sister Pearl.
Pearl Athertou was about seven wears
old and the most beautiful child have
ever seen. Tom loved her with a love
that was almost worship; but TO the
rest of the pupils he was something OF
a tease and torment, always teasing
and making fun Of some one, and some
times in a most thoughtiess, unkind
way.
/ had many serious talks with him on
the subject, but as soon as ne was out
Of the schoolroom, he seemed TO for
get. and went back TO his old ways.
As Joe went down the aisle glanced
at Tom. and saw that his eyes were
twinkling mischievously, which | was
sure bodied no good to Joe, but thought
he would be able to defend himself.
In the afternoon Joe came, and, after
| had assigned his lessons, took his seat
quietly.
At recess heard Toms voice singing
out:
Il know boy whose name is Joe,
with boots all out at the toe, toe, toe
heard no answer from Joe, and soon
Tom said, mockingly:
what am offered for the hat? Bid
ouickl The only one left that came out
Of the arkl How much am ! offered
who'll make IL one dollar? Who'll make
il one dollar?"
And so il went from day to day. Tom
saving unkind, ieering things as soon
as he supposed himself out of sight, and
Joe taking it quietly. Sometimes
quick flush would pass over his face
and his lips would culver, hut no wore
escaped him.
| thought best to appear not TO know
what was going on between them
thinking it would soon wear itself out |
and perhaps Joe would feel better to
think | did not know. but ] kept hin
with me as much as could and grew 4
a rsA