The Batesburg advocate. [volume] (Batesburg, S.C.) 1901-1911, 1905-05-19


BILE the great world. 1t Is. in fact. Il
small world. the reflex of the larger
We often see men who by the mere
fact of confidence rather than merit
force their way past more deserving
men and ny their bluster and annoy
ance take place for which they are
totally untitled. So at school. The
pretentious boy, who asserts his
strength and becomes a bully, is held
in fear as well as hatred and allowed
to do very much as he plea ses. He
resembles small king, and the other
boys in his immediate circle are his
subjects.
This was the case with Hunston,
who called himself the cock of the
dormitory in which Jack Harkaway
was to sleep. He exercised implicit
sway over all his companions. who.
though they detested him. did not dare
to disobey him. There often comes a
time, though, when such characters as
these meet with opposition, and if con
quered they present miserable APP
pearancc until their unabashed natural
fmpudence enables them to put good
face on their overthrow.
The boys were allowed half an hour
to say their prayers, undress and get
into bed before Mr.. Stonor. the junior
master, came to take their candles
away. Mr.. Mole attended to the sixth
form. who lived in the small rooms or
studies, built expressly for them. of
which we have previously spoken.
When Jack came into the room with
Harvey. Hunston looked ut him curl
ously.
$50 you're the new boy, are you?'
he exclaimed.
81 suppose you were new once?" an.
swered Jack.
Don't talk to me like that or you'll
get something you won't like" cried
Hunston angrily.
"How do you want me to talk to
your"
In respectful manner. You seem
to think you can do as you please here,
but you'll find yourself mistaken
II generally manage to have my own
way wherever am" answered Jack.
..De you? Then understand one
thing-I'm cock of this ROOM
I'm much obliged to you for the in
formation, though l don't see exactly
how IL interests me-
Harvey. Filmer and Maple sat down
ON the sides Of their beds. enjoying this
controversy. Fisher, who was Il nerv-
Gus. delicate little boy. undressed him
self and then knelt dfv.l.hy the bed
--ae 60 say his prayers.
81 thought told you. Fisher. that
would net have any more of that non
sense" exclaimed Hunston.
"what nonsenseT' said Fisher, rising
and trembling violently.
"Why, saying prayers. We have had
them downstairs, and IL you want to
say any more do it when you are in
bed"
II thought you wouldn't mind. Yon
did not last night, and my mother told
me always to do So" replied Fisher.
Il won't have it. Get into bedr" said
Hunston.
Walking across the room, Jack, whose
face flushed little, touched Fisher on
the shoulder.
whats your name!' he said.
Fisher"
Every well. If you were doing any
thing wrong, would not interfere, but
you are distinctly in the right in this
instance. Never fear TO do right. Gt
on with what you are doing. No one
shall interfere with you"
Fisher looked ut him In admiring as
tonishment
"Oh, that's how the wind blows, i:
it?" answered Hunston. You're wha
Mole calls II moral philosopher. You're
going to be the Don QuiXotc of th'
school. are you, to redress everybody
grievances? Who are you when YOUR
at home, and what are you:'
''Not the slave of bully, anyhow,
answered Jack.
II don't understand cheek. especiall,
from a new boy" returned funston
land If you are so cocky / shall hav
to knock some OF the nonsense out o
you"
"You are perfectly at liberty to try"
"Fisher, get into bed" said Hunstor
"Flsher, stay where you are" sal
Jack.
But Fisher was so well acIuainte
with Hunston's imperious temper an
arbitrary behavior that he dared nC
refuse to obey him. Accordingly Il
turned down the sheets and got into bee
Lucky for you, my boy" said HUI
ston, with n short laugh, adding. NO
you see who is master here"
Il have only one thing to tell you :
present" replied Jack, land that is
always say my prayers night an
morning. / intend to do so tonight, al
will not put up with any intcrfcren'
from any one in so sacred a matter"
Maple was one of those boys who a
called .'sneaks." Any dirty work th
Hunston wanted done was perform'
Mt once by Maple. Seeing Jacks at
tude. he said: Give it him! You cs
lick him"
What has my quarrel with this bl
ly got to do with you? | shall have
pull your young ear for you" eXclail
ed Jack.
Touch him il you dare cried lIu
g ston.
II have no wish to take any part in
disturbance tonight" Jack replied.
q am a new boy. 1t is my first mig
here. and I cannot compliment you
Ethe hospitality you have shown me"
II told you he was afraid Of yor
whispered Maple.