The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1903-07-21
THE MISSION CLASS


Il know the poor children mean no
harm, and that they act the way they
do because of their home training.
but sometimes they are drsadfuIly
trying"
WHO are dfesdfully trying?~
asked Mr.. Thompkins, looking up
from his evening paper, as his wife
put on her hat and coat preparatory
to going out.
My mission Glass; said Mrs.
Thompkins. Sometimes feel as
though / would never want to teach
them again, but the superintendent
declares that no one can handle
them as can. and know it's good
work. SO persevere."
Tut, tut" said ldr. Thompkins. "A
woman makes a mountain out of
every little molehilI. It's the cas-
lest thing in the world to handle chill
dren. All that is requisite is little
tact and patience"
Easy enough TO talk replied his
wife. but just the same, it's hard
work teaching the young idea to
shoot in mission school,
Look here" said Mr. Thompkins.
suddenly, you let me teach that mis-
sion class of yours. I'll have them
so that by the time l get through
with EN- they'll come up and eat out
of your hand. You are an estimable
woman. Mrs. Thompkins. but yon
lack the qualifications absolutely es-
saf t.
night at the school wish you to sit
in the background and observe how
a mission class should be handled.
Watch me carefully, and it Will prove
Of great benefit to you in the fu-
tnre, and to other teachers of the
school,
Mr. Thompkins put on his hat and
walked with his wife over to the
school, which was already in session.
She pointed out her class to Mr..
Thompkins. and then disappeared.
while her liege lord advanced eau
tiOusly upon the class.
AS Mr. Thomplins greeted the class
shouts of Hello, whiskers,-
'Wee-ee-ee," Gee, but I'll bet the
wind likes to see you,"
Mr.. Thompkins sat down in the
teachers chair and waved his hand
in an impressive manner.
A big boy said something to the
,lass. and al the boys Immediately
began singing:
He don't belong to tn regerleers.
Hes only volunteer"
THAT will do. young gentlemen. y
said, Mr.. Thompkins. with dignity.
and at the same time CHANGING appre-
hensively at the pillar behind which
his wife was seated Il wish TO
teach You this evening. ] do not be-
lieve that you are being properly
trained. and ! will make your lesson
this evening one of true value. and
one which you will long remem-
ber.''
You'll have to show us" said the
big boy, sitting down. Git bissy-'
Vow. young gentlemen. before
taking up the regular work of the
evening. let us have little round
table and discuss subjects of general
interest. If any of you should like
some subject explained. you viii
please state it. Think of something
which you would like TO have de-
lineated."
The big boy bobbed mp. How do
you make a Maltese CROSSE he asked.
Mr.. Thompkins turned to the black
4
ing with colored chalk. while the
class whistled and threw paper wads.
There" said Mr.. Thompkins.
finally, as he waved his hand at the
board. there is the way TO make a
Maltese CROSS"
Nav. it amt" said the big boy.
You pull its tail; that's the way
You know. boys. that the highest
position 10 which the American youth
can aspire is that of president of
the United States"
~oh. I'd sooner be an alderman. Z"
said The big boy. DE alderman in
our wards got a snap, and he owns
tree saloons"
Il shall ask you to preserve quiet. :"
resumed Mr.. Thompkins. There was
once a poor boy that lived on a
farm
Gee. I was on a farm oncet,- said
the smallest boy. "Dey had COW
dere what give buttermilk."
This boy speaKingof." resumed
Mr.. ThOmpkins, was determined
to become great. and he hewed rails
and worked with his big, honest hands
until he became the greatest man in
the country. Do you know who he
was?"
"Jim Jeffries." yelled the big boy.
''iNin YOU please leave this room at
once" demanded Mr.. Thompkins
-.Chase yourself" replied the big
boy. politely; I've got license to
stay here. l don't see any medals on
you"
Mr.. Thompkins jumped and seized
the big boy by the collar and started
for the door.
There was a scuilie and a heavy fan.
and the mission school was thrown
into disorder by seeing the banner
class piling on top of tall man with
xvhfSkerS who was ON ths. fiOor xvil,s1,-