The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1911-08-05

Tommy continued to be a veritable
model Of a pupil Others at times
were unruly, but Tommy actually
seemed arrayed upon the side OF right
and ne gazed in hurt surprise at those
who attempted to disorganize the
classes.
Even Mrs. Bedding was pleased to
take notice and cited the new teacher
as proof of her oft-repeated statements
that Tommy needed only a kind word
to make him mind
THE other teachers were brutal and
the poor boy resented it as any boy
would" she declared at the Dorcas
meeting. Miss Conover says she
hasn't had to speak to the little dear
once and it is almost the half term. %
The other mothers nodded assent
ingly and wondered what spell Susie
had thrown over the boy That there
was change was not to be denied
The other pupils declared this to be
fact and, without Tommy to lead
them astray, discipline was excellent
1t was not until the fall term was
drawing to a close that the change
came Susie was delighted with her
position The mothers all liked her and
even Mrs. Bedding smiled approvingIy
when she flashed past in John
Thearle's buggy after school hours in
stead of behind Joel Peters mare
Thearle was Mrs. Belongs brother
and she mentally assured herself that
anyone who could effect so great
change in Tommy's reputation was
worthy even of her brother
Then Tommy fell from grace Some
impish freak threw the school into mo-
mentary disorder and a litter went
about the room when Tommy was told
that he must remain in after school
hours The last time Tommy had been
kept in he had spilled the better part
Of pint of ink over the teachers
dress. The immediate result had been
that she had hurried home to get the
ink stains out while they were fresh,
and Tommy had gone home, too. Now
he looked longingly at the dress and
wondered whether he dared repeat the
episode. But it was very meek lad
who remained in his seat when the
others had filed out, and to her sur
prise Susie found that he was crying
Gently she sought to reason with
him, but he would not listen. He could
only sit and gaze apprehensively at
the door, and presently John Thearle
entered to ascertain the cause of the
teachers Iateness.
He perceived the situation at a
glance and with never a word he laid
Tommy over his knee and used a ruler
until the boy promised to be good
Il was tired Of being known as the
uncle of the worst boy in the school"
he calmly explained to the astonished
teacher. Tommy takes advantage Of
the law in regard to punishment in the
schools and the knowledge that his
mother will not make good this fault
1 told him this fall that the first time
he was a bad boy he would get the
spanking that's been coming to him
ever since he was old enough to be
spanked. 1 have kept my word, as 1
shall keep it again if 1t is necessary"
That amt all you said" walled the
offended Tommy. I'm goin' to tell the
rest You said If 1 drove Miss Susie
out OF town before you had a chance
to marry her you was goin' t tan the
hide often me-that's what you said"
Precisely" agreed Thearle. 81 saw
you at the station that first day." he
explained, "and I loved you then, Su-
sic. Do you think that there is a
chance for me? that you could stand
being the aunt of the worst boy in
town."
81 think" she said softly, that 1 am
willing to be the wife of the incest
man in town"
ssGoinp tn get married ?" demanded
Tommy, eagerly.
Thearle started He had forgotten
the boys presence. And If 1 ann" he
asked.
"Gee!" murmured Tommy, ''IIl get
square on the next teacher"