Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1911-08-25

Tommy continued to be veritahle
model Of a pupil. Others at times
were unruly. but Tommy actually
seemed arrayed upon the side Of right
and he gazed in hurt surprise at those
who attempted to disorganize the
ciassesa
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 we're brutal and
the poor boy resented II as any boy
meeting. Miss Conover says she
hasn't had to speak to the little dear
once and 1t is almost the half term"
The ether 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 close that the change
came. Susie wes delighted with her
position The mothers all liked her and
even Mrs. Bedding smiled approvingly
when she dashed 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 a
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 1t was very meek lad
who remained in his seat when the
others had fled 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 Thearie
entered to ascertain the cause OF the
teachers lateness.
He perceived the situation at q
glance and with never word he laid
Tommy over his knee and used 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
/ told him this fall that the first time
he was bad boy he would get the
spanking that's been coming to him
ever since he was old enough to be
spanked | have kept my word. as
shall keep II again II 1t is necessary"
THAT amt all you said." walled the
offended Tommy. I'm goin' to tell tie
rest. You said II drove Miss Susie
out of town before you had chance
to marry her you was goin' { tan the
hide offen me-that's what you said.
Precisely" agreed Thearle. Il saw
you at the station that first day. ne
explained. land loved you then. SUI
sic. Do you think that there Is
chance for me? that you could stand
being the aunt Of the worst boy IN
town."
Il think" she said softly. that ] am
willing to be the wife Of the incest
man in town"
aGoing to get marriedY" demanded
Tommy. eagerly
Thearle started. He had forgotten
the boys presence And If ! amT he
asked
"Geel" murmured Tommy. 'I'il gel
square on the next teacher"