The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1906-12-21

ing his feet idly. He was determined
that he would not study and wondered
vaguely if the teacher would try to
thrash him for his disobedience.
Presently the others were gone, and
Miss Murtha wen back to her desk.
Another scholar had been kept in to re-
write the spelling lesson, and Miss
Murtha waited quietly until the task
was done. At last they two were alone,
and she called to him. Not once had
fshe noticed him before, and Tim went
forward wonderingly.
"They told me that you were a bad
boy" she said, but 1 did not think
that you would act so toward a won
an"
"What's the difference?" he demand
ed. "You get paid to teach us. don't
you, just like a MANI"
Gently she explained that she had
been hired to teach the school, but that
she could not remain if she could not
handle the pupils. If he and some of
the other boys persisted in being dis
obedient, she would have to give up
the school and they would have de-
prived her Of a chance to earn a living.
When she had finished, Tim looked up.
"Say," he said p%enitently, "Ill let
you lick me- if you want to. I won't
fight back"
II. don't want to whip you," she said
as she stopped and kissed him. II want
you to be a good boy; that's ALL"
Tommy English was waiting for him
as the subdued Tim went out. 'Did
she lick you?" he demanded eagerly.
II didn't hear you holler."
With a howl Tim sprang at him and
thrashed him as a relief for his over
wrought feelings.
can I'll do it again If you say any
thing about Miss Murtha," he promised
as he released his victim, am I'll lick
any Of you fellers what makes trouble
for her."
1t took but a week to make that fact
apparent, and those who had taken adj
vantage Of the fact that Miss Murtha
did not believe in physical punishment
learned to behave.
Then came Ren uanway upon the
scene, and it soon became, apparent
that Marion had fallen in love. The
proposition was almost too much for
Tim to grasp, but in a vague way he
realized that the teacher cared q great
deal for Rem. He was not jealous.
though he resented the lost walks home
with Miss Murtha, because now Ren
called for her with his buggy, and Tim
was left behind.
But the course Of true love never did
run smooth, and II afternoon Tim
came back to the schoolroom to find
Miss Murtlla, with her head bowed on
her arms, her slight form shaken by
sobs. Softly he stole out Of the room
and made for the village.
Rem would probably be in the Office
Of the, lumber yard, and thither he bent
his steps. Hanway was working at
his desk when the door burst open and
Tim was upon him like a young cata-
mount, pummeling and kicking indfs-
criminately. The attack was so sud-
den that it was several minutes before
Hanway could grasp the youngster.
Tears of rage stood in Tins eyes as
he struggled to get free.
"You let me alone" he shouted. "I've
got to lick you. I said I was goin' to
lick any Teller that made Miss Murtha
cry, an I licked 'em all except Billy
Hendricks, an I threw stones at him."
II didn't make her cry" laughed
Hanway. though his face went very
white. "What makes you think sol"
"You used to drive her home" cried
Tim, IAN now you don't come any
more. an I went into the schoolroom
this afternoon, an she was cryin', with
her head on the desk, an I knew 1t
was your fault. an I want to lick you."
Hanway's face glowed with pleasure.
There had been a small quarrel. but so
successfully had she hidden her. feel
ings that he did not think she cared.
"Tn hitch up and go right over to
tell her I'm sorry" he said. "Will that
dot"
IF she says yes" agreed Tim. Han
way went out.
That evening Tim was ut the Presby-
terrain social when Miss Murtha and
Hanway came in. Miss Murtha' bent
oyer and kissed him. =
"My little champion, she whispered.
"You have made me so happy"
"Then I won't lick Rem again." prom
ised the pleased Tim. II Thought you'd
v1anf mo TO-, ~