Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1904-09-01
The Delinquent
BY FRANK H. SWEET
Copyright, 1901, BY Daily story Pub. Co.,

lesson two hours" said tn
white-haired schoolmaster, grimly. Il
+, you do not get 1t In that time | shall
punish you, as would any of the othe
boys. l shall make no exception"
The hoy" was stalwart, finely
formed man of 80, with clear eyes ant
good-natured face. There was humor-
GUS appreciation Of the situation In his
eyes as he raised them to the old man
who was scarcely more than half his
own weight. But all he said was
That's right, schoolmaster; you
mustn't show Partially. But I've done
the best I could" 4
The schoolmaster regarded him for
some moments with unqualified disap-
proval, then turned and walked to-
ward his desk. But half way there he
paused suddenly, a cloud coming to his
face. After a little hesitation he re-
turned to the man.
II do not want to fail III my duty to
any Of the boys. Calvin Hepstead," he
said, land II l have misjudged you In
any way, In jot or title, l wish to rec
tify 1t. You have been with me three
months now, and have learned the let
tiers and few figures. But there you
suddenly stop, through obstinacy or in
difference or inability, l do not know
which, though Judge the former,
Since the Indian summeS brought you
something three days ago you have
done little but look through the win
dow. never expel any of my schol-
ars; I prefer to punish. Sometimes
that measure succeeds where others
fail. Can you advance any reason
whatever, Calvin Hepstead, why you
should not be punished?"
None whatever. Mr.. Peters," the
man answered. quietly. 1--WE sue
ceeded In about every undertaken I've
tried. an some Of 'em were pretty big
ones. If don't learn the lesson I
should be punished, Of course"
The schoolmaster looked at the
strong, self-contained face with some
thing very like usefulness mingling
with the disapproval Of his eyes,
Eyes, 1t is obstinacy," he said at last
slowly, more to himself than the other.
ANY one can learn If he tries. A fail
ure to do so should be corrected"
He went to his desk and examined
exercises for half an hour, then walked
back and forth across the small room,
finally stopping again beside Hepstead.
II am going out to supper now, but
will be back In an hour and hear your
lesson" he said.
The man nodded without looking up
from q slate which lay on the desk
before him. He was trying to form
figures from a copy across the top of
he slate, and to combine them in q
simple sum of addition; but the great
fingers were better fitted for the stock
Of rife or the helve Of an axe or q
paddle handle than for q slate pencil,
and the brain behind the wrinkling
brows, which was keen to read the
mysteries and wiles of primitive ma
ture. grew dull and vacuous before q
problem that would have been easy for
an ordinary boy Of seven. Presently
the fixed stare left the slate and went
to the window and beyond to the great
forest, whose edge showed In the dis
lance, and then the eyes began to
warm and glow. When Mr.. Peters
steps were heard returning the slate
was pushed aside quietly and the mans
arms were folded across his chest. The
schoolmaster's inquiring look was an
swered by one Of absolute content
80 you have done IT," the school,
master said, with an accent Of relief
n his voice. The affirmation seemed
plain in the mans eyes.
mo. sir. I amt done IT,"
What" The relief became sur
prise. and the surprise wrath. mot |
lone It. and sitting there looking |
through the window. Come to my |
iesk, sirl"
Hepstead followed him smIIlngiy. |
The sehoolmaster selected the heaviest
of his rulers
Hold out your hand"
Hepstead did 30. and the ruler de-
'esnded upon It's palm with all the
force Of the old mans arm. making q
ong, livid line upon which the skin
began to rise. A half dozen more lines
aimed alongside II In quick success
hon. and then the ruler fell a. though
he punishment were over. But Hap
Itead vas still smiling.
Hold out your other hand" ordered
he SehoolmaStsr. grimly. Thsn, e. the
nan complied and hat hand vns also
Eossed with Ivid lines. Nov. 81
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