The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1903-07-17

TX az ent. That was to drop ell
play when the bell telling the opening
of the school session sounded. When
the ruler fell upon the desk before that
august personage-the teacher-Tom,
as well as the rest of the scholars,
knew, they must be at their desks ready
for business. Several times had the
new teacher reminded the boys Of this
rule: Quit play at the sound of the
bell and make for the schOolhouse;
don't bother about finishing the game
of marbles ball or whatnot; when this
ruler falls every one must be at his
desk. That is ALL"
Tom Lawton had overlooked that rule
once too often; twice the new teacher
had forgiven him-he was boy once
but when Tom came in and slipped to
his seat after the ruler had fallen. the
master crooked his finger at the second
desk from the left front and softly
said: .s..f@~saa..--. ..t.
fseALawton, please step this way"
1t was a way the new teacher had,
always particular about small things,
and very polite when he wanted any
thing done as, for instance, a puzzling
problem in figures, he would say: eff
you will be so kind as to show us how
to solve this problem on Page CO.,
fourth from the top, 1 shall be obliged
to you" Or, he had a taking manner
of saying to a chap whose fingers tin
gled because Of a personal engagement:
BEG pardon, my friend, for troubling
you-but it has been coming your way
for some time; very sorry to have an
nOyed you, but it annoys me most"
Tom felt a trife uneasy when he
walked up to the desk, leaned against
it and heard q soft voice say in low
tones:
"Please be so kind as to remain after
school for punishment. I am sorry to
bother you about it-but it must come
Return to your seat"
AS the boy turned a glance from his
left eye sized up the new teacher who
was so painfully affable. my! but
he'll break my hand" was Toms
thought as he saw the strong wrist and
goodly forearm.
When recess came all the boys anC
girls. except Tom, filed out. Tom re
mainCd at his desk with eyes fixed upor
the book before him. The young mar
on the platform took a book from {
drawer and started to read, when hi
eyes fell upon the boy at the desk.
curious smile came upon his face, ant
a goodbye feeling seemed to make hi
nerves tingle. He laid the book down
keeping a long finger in it to mark thu
place, and said:
"Lawton why do you not go out witt
the TestY'
Tom looked up through misty eyes
'I'm staying after school, sir"
but it is recess now"
81 might cut sticks and run away
others do-and / have"
"But not with me, Mr. Thomas Law
ton. You have too good a face to lie
me believe YOU would do such a thin
now. Did the other teacher keep til
fellows in at recess when punishment
hung over them?'
always"
"WeH, run out to your game, m
friend"
Maybe I'll not come back to get tha
punishment after school," said Tol
with grin as he rose.
Eyes, you will; know you would ne
deprive me of the pleasure Of givin
YOU z few pleasant moments aftt
school; and then, can trust a fello'
with such a face as you have"
IL am sorry 1 stayed"
run along, Lawton; Wen talk til;
over after school,"
81 may not come back"
Eyes you will. Now go out and hay
n good time. Recesses are as short
me as they are to the rest Of you