Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-01-01
ONE DAYS TEACHING

to take his place at school. l consented
and proceeded to the schoolhouse. No
one was there but quiet little girl
sweeping up kindling chips.
Your regular teacher will be unable
to be with you today, miss, but will
fill his place with what ability can
command. What's your name?"
do not think ever saw any one look
quite so surprised as that girl did then.
However. l saw nothing very strange
in the matter and repeated:
whats your name? l am to teach
you today"
"Alice Stanley"
''How old are you, Alice"
Eighteen"
"Whewr' thought to myself. "She
doesn't look fourteen"
The last bell rang, and Alice Stanley
came in. quietly remarked: II am to
take the place Of your teacher today.
Will some one start a song|
Calling a class, Peter Thompson fail
ed to come forward. / urged him to no
avail.
4 tooh uOiu VI i CtCl . chouitCAs -
commands are not obeyed, use force.
That's my motto. Immediately Peter
gave such yell as I never heard from
mortal lungs. l sprang back as If
had touched off a mine. Peter did not
desist, but to the first burst succeeded
an avalanche of blubberings that came
down like the cataract Of Lodore.
retreated in dismay, and Peter halted
with strange suddenness. He sulked
behind his apron, however, till recess.
l took the reader and pointed to the
first letter Of the alphabet.
"What is the name of that letter."
inquired.
They gazed at me in stupid amaze
ment.
"You surely know what that letter
Is. Tell me at once" said severely.
Munitions of rain in one or two eyes.
Alice Stanley's hand goes up.
"Question, AliceT'
"Please, sir, teacher uses the word
method"
The word method? What might that
be? My course in college so far con-
tained no information ON that point.
Perhaps it was In the scientific course.
To cover my confusion l looked at my
watch. 1t was far past recess time,
and rang the bell.
! measured off just five minutes for
the recess. Time was precious II the
morning programme was to be COM
pleted. Promptly at the expiration Of
the time l rang the bell, and as the
astonished company hustled back to
their seats noticed Peter Thompson's
place vacant.
"Where is Peterw
"He went home cryin'."
"Said he'd tell his ma"
"Said he warn't goin' to no old
school," volunteered dozen voices.
summoned 'B geography" This was
a class of intermediate grade, whose
lesson for the day was Africa.
Right here the door opened wide, and
in 1t stood little bit Of woman, with
sunbonnet on her head and mop in
her hand and the cloth frozen stiff. She
painted, with one hand on her heart.
"Where's the schoolmarmY
"He could not be here today. I take
his place. Is there anything l can do
for you, ma'am? May l ask your
name%
"I'm Missus Thompson. My poor lit
tie boy just come home a-cryin' as If
his little heart would break, an I'd
Just like to know who's been misusin'
aP I'd tho a w or topn /
would! Pretty COINS on in school
house, 1 must say! oh, there you are,
Miss Stanley! Why amt you in your
proper placer"
'Mrs. Thompson, may I see you .
moment in the lobbyT asked Miss
Stanley, while ! stood entirely dunn
founded.
"S'pose you may"
While they went out / got my hat
and overcoat and put them on. My
brain was In a whirl. That little girl!
But, after all, there was certain air
of maturity about her. And that De-
keleia and the giggling! l was fool.
As l got into the lobby-how ! know
not-Mrs. Thompson was departing
will, broad grin on her face. Miss
Stanley held out her hand, with sew
eral roguish dimples playing hide and
seek about her cheeks.
Pardon me. thought at first some
one was trying to play trick on me
through you, but l fear now l have
been the trickster. was quite tired
and discouraged this morning. If you
were a teacher-pardon me for imag,
lining that you are not-you would
know how glad was to rest and hear
some one else teach and learn how"
This last was added slyly.
When she had directed me across the
fields, lifted my hat and walked off.
As Miss Stanley entered the school
room heard tumultuous clapping and
cheering.
! plunged fiercely on, reviewing the
mornings experience with burning
cheeks whose fires were none the cool
er by the time / reached my cousins
school. which also, | noticed, was
fronted with big elm.
AS l went nearer the unmistakable
buzz of a school in session greeted my
ears. Wonderingly raped at the