Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1902-04-24
HOW ROD WON MANHOOD.

COL HE inquistive branches of the
cottonwood tree that peeped
- through the windows of the frame
schoolhouse at Gray Greek had wit
messed many exciting things since that
pioneer building was opened But the
greatest. though least noisy. sensation
occurred upon Il November morning
when they shed their last leaf on the
head of Il new pupil. who passed I'M
hesitatngly through the school grounds,
and took his seat among score Of
rough but punctual scholars awaiting
the arrival of their teacher.
These tall lads and fresh checked
girls. who had started in with zest
when school opened in this Kansas
valley, looked as if they had already
begun to feel proud of their miniature
republic, and jealous of it's honor. The
majority scOwled in dsmay, as if the
very spirit of disorder had appeared
among them, when the new pupil, n
boy of -. timidly seated himself,
throwing glances of appeal and def
ance at his future class mates. Hello!
who's that Teller? Hain't seen him be-
fore since school started" said Curley
Wiggin stretching five feet eleven Of
ignorance. and nudging Jem Tracy, his
neighbor.
Huh. don't you know who he is?"
gurgled .Jem. in incredulOus excite
ment. IIe-he's Rod Dixon son of Big
Dixon. who was caught last fall for
train wreckn' over in Haymare Coun-
ty! Rods gran dad has took charge O.
him now--Old Man Barber O. Spruce
Hill ranch"
''Son of Il train wrecker. Huh. don't
know rs teacher ought to admit him to
this school," clustered Curley, CHANGING
at the new Teller on the front bench.
who shivered as if gust had struck
him, for Cur.ey's bossing whisper was
very audible. He sort O looks as if he
he'll never turn out a decent citizen,
anyhow
"If-if you say that again, I'll lick
you, big as you are. | guess l am 60
ing to turn out Il decent citizen: am
going to do the right sort O thng-an
make man o myself
The new boy had jumped to his feet
facing his dozen young judges with
this roar which would have been saw
age if it hadn't trembled over tears
His face was a mixture of precOcious
daring and appeal. His chest heaved
and heaved. until his challenge was
flung out again by some awakening
power within.
"Why-why cant be decent citi-
zen as wells you!" he gasped, his
voice seeming to burst husk of feel
ing. Why amt fit for this school? |
never done nothing"
But just here the courage of the out
laws son seemed to fail him; and his
shame swept upon him like deluge
until his voice sank and was drowned
in it. Swaying like the bare branches
of the cottonwood tree beyond the win
dow. to which his eyes turned as If
for help he wheeled round and dropped
hopelessly into his seat again, as a sun
trimmed shadow streaked the floor, and
the tall figure of the teacher came into
an uncomfortable silence
The room grew stiller yet-and stiller
until the unusual lull appeared ominous
to Mr. Meyers, who gaZed around for
signs of brewing mischief. He could
detect none. Every scholars gaze was
focused on his face, trying to read its
puZZling page, as he called the new
pupil to his desk to learn his age. name
and address, Curley Wiggin, recover
ing his breath. whispered to Jem that
the teacher looked kinder struck as he
identified this addition to his school
But the smile with which he dismissed
Rod to his place was full of light; it
seemed to the quivering boy to illumine
those distant peaks of manhood which
he had set out to climb; it gifted black
board and lesson book till they caught
his hayward thoughts.
'Yaas, he done pretty good this morn
ing. But shucks! he won't stick to ii:
he'll be playing hockey inside of n
week, an the sooner the better | guess
we don't want any wreckers cub
here!" said Curley, his severe judge,
again discussing Rod during recess.
And again Rod, concealed by the cot
ton woods broad trunk, heard and
trembled. Now, instead of tiaring up.
he seemed to turn cold, as if all his
hopes were popped into a refrigerator.
With a reckless grunt he drew his cap
over his eyes and disappeared through
the gate.