Newport weekly independent., 1904-04-22
A Lesson in
 Deviltry By J. NEWELL COTTON
Copyright, 1908. by Daily story Pub. oo)

MI lE IOWu SCHOOL In Hancock 70 X years ago had become unmanage- able. Every teacher had been forced out by few large boys led by Lemuel Green, the village blacksmith's son. was member of the school committee and in the interest of the school and community was anxious to secure a teacher who could control the school Teachers of all kinds fought shy of the school. While was still perplexed over the situation friend of New bury came up and in discussing the situation said: We have got just the man for you down our way, young. Dr. Smith. If anybody can teach that school Smith can. You had better come down and see him"
 l acted on his suggestion and took a trip to Newbury and had a look at young Smith He was a keen looking young man just finishing his first med ical lectures and little short of cash. He was of medium height, cOmpactly built, had keen commanding eye, a firm chin and resolute mouth. thought to myself if you can back up your looks you are my man.
 He told me he had made plans to go to Cleveland, O., to take his second course of medical lectures, but if we were willing to pay him $25 per month, with regular board, and if the people would back him up in whatever policy he undertook to pursue, he would come. liked the way he talked and stated my approval to the other members of the committee The result was we engaged him. The rest of this story I give in the doctors own words as he told it to me.
 IT had heard of the tough school at Hancock long before was engaged and knew had got tough proposition on my hands But this fact only strength ened my determination. had hired out to teach that school and l intended to do it. 1 had not been long in Hancock before l heard the rumor noised about that I would not last long Lemuel Green. Sr.. offered to bet $10 would not last two days. sized up the situa- tion, but said nothing.
 sAt last the momentous morning ar rived. The scholars apepared in twos and threes and was accorded the usual minute inspection given new teacher. Promptly at nine o'clock l called the school to order and faced mixed col lection of 45 faces. On the back seat of the boys side were six boys, nearly all of them as large as myself and nearly as old. I saw at a glance that here was where the trouble lay, the key to the situation. prepared some slips of pa per and distributed them among the older pupils for them to write thereon their names. ages and the studies they expected to take. Then passed among the smaller ones for the same purpose.
 .sWhile I was thus engaged l noticed that one of the large boys sat with his head resting on his hands, closely re- rarding me with open contempt, and paving no attention to his slip. l fin- ished with the others, then came to him. Noting he had not touched the slip, l said. somewhat sharply. Whats your name, young man?'
 Lem Green was the brief reply, delivered with drawling, insulting leer.
 Well, Lemuei,' I said, ignoring the insulting tone, do you intend to study anything?'
 ".Yes,' he assented, in contemptu- ous, sneering tone. I'm going to study dsyiltry'
 Ever had any lessons?' calmly re- piled, my anger rising.
 GA few on my own hook,,' he replied with a grin.
 "sWell,' I said, you will understand it better after few lessons propose to give you
 T saw then and there my fight had come. I had got to conquer this young giant or my days were numbered in Hancock. I turned on my heel and walked back to my desk doing some hard thinking. Then turned and faced the school One glance at their faces told me was the only one on my side. h a firm, even voice, I said I will now open the school by giving Lemuel Green his first lesson in deviltry. Lem uel, come forward An expectant grin was on every face and subdued whis-
 Der ran around the room.
 With grin of confidence anda sec