The new enterprise. (Madison, Fla.) 1901-1908, 1903-06-18

liz " ter was peculiarly insist
Tx -! ent. That was to drop all
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 Mt 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 lie at his
desk. That is ALL"
Tom Lawton had overlooked that rule
once too often; twice the new teacher
had forgiven him-he wGs a boy once
but when Tom cams 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: ..5-,..s %. ,,-rv~>,l.,..
"Lawton, please step this way" -,
1t was a way the new teacher had,
always particular about small things.
and very polite when be wanted any
thing done as, for instance, a puzzling
problem in figures, he would say: "If
you VIII be SO kind as to show us how
to solve this problem on Page GO,
rs,,s. y 20 tie 5Qp I eholl be obliged
10 800" "a, lie had d taking manner
of saying 10 chap whose fingers IT,.
gled because Of 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 triAe uneasy when he
walked up to the desk, leaned against
it and heard a soft voice say in low
tones:
PLEASE be so kind as to remain after
school for punishment. l 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 rs he saw the strong wrist and
goodly forearm.
When recess came all the boys and
girls, except Tom, filed out. Tom re-
manned at his desk with eyes fixed upon
the book before him. The young man
on the platform took n book from n
drawer and started to read, when his
eyes fell upon the boy at the desk. A
curious smile came upon his face, and
a goodbye feeling seemed to make his
nerves Jingle. He laid the book down,
Keeping long finger in it to mark the
place. and said:
"Lawton, why do you not so out with
The rest?'
Tom looked up through misty eyes.
I'm staying after school, sir"
But 1t is recess now"
81 might cut sticks and run away:
others do-and 1 have"
but not with me- Mr.. Thomas Law
ton. You have too good face to let
me believe you would do such a thing
now Did the other teacher keep the
fellows in at recess when punishment
hung over them?' |
always"
"Well, run out to your game, my |
friend"
Maybe I'll not come back to get that
punishment after school," said Tom
wish grin as he rose.
Eyes, you will; know you would not
deprive me Of the pleasure Of giving
you a few pheasant moments after
school; and then, cah trust fellow
with such face as you hayer
fI-7I am sorry stsyedr--'aji
run along Lawton; wen talk that
over after school," 'b'"'"
II may not come back"
Eyes you will. Now go out and have
n good time Recesses are as short to
me as they are to the rest of you"