The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1905-02-15
B|LLY'S SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION.
X X X
BY WILLIAM H. HANDY.
BY WILLIAM H. HANDY.

| Tllteen minutes OF the time nad Deen
wasted. The minister hurled himself
nervOusly at the subject and began TO
grow eloquent with earnestness. Just
as he reached the height of his theme,
the tall young man Iear the front
shufIled his feet, rose Slowly, picked up
his hat and coat, crowded by those in
the end of the seat and started leisurely
down the aisle, his spurs clinkety clink.
AS he neared the door two men rose
and quietly stepped in front of him.
One Of them-it was Billy-said in an
undertone:
"Supposin' we go back to our seats
and hear the rest of the sermon"
There was craning of necks, the
preacher paused, and tingle of excite
ment touched the crowd. The other
five Pointers sprang up and hurried
down the aisle menacingly. Their
faces indicated a determination to de-
molish the obstruction at the door on
quick time.
-Four men on each side rose up quietly
anu tluStu lls Il Sollb lillt uNloSS tut
door. -Four rose up on each side of the
aisle, and four came down the aisle
after the Pointers.
The audience, after it caught its
breath, was ready TO break into a
panic.
"Parson," said Billy in a reassuring
tone, you'll excuse me for sayin' a
word. All you people just keep your
seats, perfectly quiet, there amt goin'
to be a bit of trouble. Now, parson,
give out hymn, and all Of you sing
good and loud"
"Fll be hanged If there won't be
trouble mighty quick if you don't clear
that door," said the leader of the Point
ers, starting forward.
Billy stepped squarely in front of
him.
Don't get excited now, boys" he
said, mildly. "You amt goin' out that
door and it'll be better not to make a
fuss, and l wouldn't use any cuss
words-there's women and children
here"
The audience had caught its cue and
was singing with nervous loudness.
The Pointers drew close together. they
looked ugly. Their hands were at their
hip pockets; several revolvers were
half drawn. At nod from Billy the
twelve men drew around in a close
circle. They were picked men, cool
headed, but obstinate enough to fight
to the death to enforce their order.
Boys" said Billy, still speaking in
an even tone, ''go back and sit down
in the front seat and stay till you are
told to leave. It'll be better to listen
to the preacher now than to have him
preachin' over you tomorrow when
you can't, hear"
The rowdies glanced around the cir
Gle and knew these men We're not
bluffihg, nor were they to be bluffed.
They parleyed a minute among them
selves.
I'VE don't have to go back" said the
leader.
Maybe not" said Billy; "then I'm
afraid we'll have to carry you"
The circle drew little closer, alert,
ready.
The rowdies turned about sullenly
and walked back to the front seat.
-Four citizens sat down in the ends of
the seat beside them, eight in the seat
behind.
The services proceeded with the best
of order.
When the congregation arose to be
dismissed, Billy leaned forward and
said:
Just stay where you are, boys, till
all the crowds gone"
Directly all were gone but the Point
ers and their guards. There was few
minutes pause.
Jimmy" said Billy to one of the
younger men, give us a little poetry.
1t has a powerful refinin' influence"
Jimmy went to the front and recited
"Curfew Must Not Ring Tonight" and
at calls for more gave the Sailor Boy"
and "Bingen on the Rhine"
The Pointers stirred in their seats
and one of them swore under his
breath.
"Quiet," commanded one of the
guards.
"Now, Dick" said Billy, read us a
chapter on Etiket."
Dick produced nine hundred page
compendium of universal knowledge
and read twenty pages on how to dress,
how to care for the hair and nails, how
to dance, how tc carry on conversation
and how to act in public. He read