The San Francisco call., 1910-07-17

ment rather than tell on the offender.
Now, Johnny, take the first three
verses of this lesson" from the be-
whiskered wielder Of the rod of Stone
school fame, indicating, with a down
ward sweep of the index finger. the first
page of 'The Capture of the Wild
Horse" in McGuffeys third. and turning
to whack some offender over the head
with the, ferule. That lesson isn't
very long, is it?' catching protesting
look of despair from the upturned full
moon face with its large, blue button
eyes, mo, SIR" rejoined the youngster,
whose personal appearance tailed with
his answer. ut amt so very long, but
it's awful thick.
Fifth reader class.'' called the mas
ter, in stentorian tones. Loud shutting
of heavy cowhide boots. and the class
was lined UP. 1toeing' the third crack
In the floor from the blackboard Be
gin the lesson. Mike McGinnis." to the
sturdy Hibernian. who carried books and
lunch In the same basket. Striking the
favorite recitative attitude of the times.
right foot placed well forward at right
angles TO Its mate. book IN right hand,
the other arm held against the back in
modest crook, clearing his throat. he
opened his reader. disclosing to our con-
rulsive nirth both pages thickly decor
ated with applebutter Calmly licking
it off, Mike. in halting monotone, began
the story of THE Righteous Never For
saken.n
A passing horseman called the teacher
IN he fror ryif
The closing Of the door between master
and pupils was signal, needing no
words. There was a Kaleidoscope
changing of seats and positions; somer-
saults and handsprings were turned;
youngsters hoisted on shoulders, and
trotted perilous RAGE around the room,
over seats and chairs: bites of lunch
were hastily ''gobbled'; teachers skin
cap and gloves swiftly tried on and
passed from hand to hand--pandemo-
mum reigned. Sentries were posted at
windows to note the termination Of tho
interview. Big Will, more daring than
5 the rest, leaned half his long body out
the window, in full view of visitor and
teacher, who, fortunately, were too
notice. him. His rival in mischief seized
Will by both feet, intending only to
scare him, but the door suoueniy
opened. VIII was given a forward i'm
petus, and doubled out the window like
barlow knife just as the teacher
stepped In. There was d home run for
seats, bapble OF explanations.
Teacher. BOP Jones pulled me under
the desk: IT was gittin' me a drink";
Mary pushed me, . etc. 1t was a very
sheepish-!ooking VIII who shambled TO
his seat later. How did you get out?"
thundered the master, for the nrst time
cognizant Of his absence. ION my head,
sir was the reply.
Hark TO the time when the husky,
overgrown lads of District No. IL
planned surprise" for the old maid
who had been engag ged for the term at
$12 per month and board around" Tap
ping the desk was the signal for
books and that ceremony over. on
the morning in mind every scholar be-
took himself to lessons with a zeal that
might have deceived one better ac-
quainted with the school, Opening her
desk to put the prim, silk-lined bonnet
out of reach of little fingers, she spied
neatly wrapped box, addressed to her.
self.
With a pleased look of expectancy the
string was carefully united. the lid lift
ed, when, presto. a sharp squeak,
shrek. streak of gray. swishing of
starchy skirts, and teacher was standing
on top of the desk. Ominous silence,
every eye glued to the books held in
front. some of which were bottom side
up" who did that?" stormed the