The Cordova daily times., 1920-01-30
SINS OF.CHILDREN
By ANNETTE SYMMES.

6elllngham school the weather, react ing as it always does upon the pupils, had produced a state of inattention, restlessness and disorder, which grew smore marked with every hour Miss Booth, the pretty little teacher, had worried line creasing her smooth white forehead and there was worried look in her soft brown eyes.
 As usual, the ringleader was Chaun- eey Bartlett. During the first three weeks of school he had been absent, convalescing from minor operation, and Miss Booth, who was a stranger in the place and a new teacher in the school, had had no especial trouble with her pupils. But when Chauncey got back, the young imps of the fourth grade rallied to their leader to boy; the little girls loved their teacher and frankly disapproved of those hor- rid boys" The negative consolation of this, however, hardly offset the ac> tive discomfort caused by the busy Chauncey.
 He was handsome boy, the only child Of Doctor Bartlett, and it was whispered among the teachers that if any of their number should presume to innict corporal punishment upon Chauncey, the offender would not re- Doctor Bartlett was said t. be violent ly opposed to corporal punishment.
 Upon this day the principal was ill and at home. Chauncey, aware of the fact, became more and more outrage ous until Miss Booth saw that she must assert herself decidedly or lose tie last vestige of authority she pos seSsed
 The last straw was shrill whistle, proceeding without the least conceal ment from Chauncey's puckered lips.
 "Chauncey," said the teacher, "pass into the dressing room. Albert, you 2ay act as monitor till I return"
 She took from the desk drawer heavy ferule and followed the offend CT into the dressing room and closed the door.
 "Chauncey," she said, "hold out your hand!'
 The boys eyes widened.
 You whip me and I'll tell my ia ther!" he retorted def1antly.
 Tell him, by all means" was the spirited reply, land If he makes any objections. I'll ferule him, too. Hold out your hand!"
 The unmistakable ring of authority and of perfect fearlessness in her tone had their effect. Chauncey held out his hand and few moments later was trying to avoid whimpering over a tingling pain. He was very quiet the rest of the morning and the others awed by the events which had oc- cured, were models of behavior. He did not return for the afternoon ses- sion, however, and Miss Booth augured the worst from the fact. She had just 0nished experimenting her desk for the night when there came a tap on the door, and going to answer it, her heart almost stopped beating to see towering before her.
 Miss Booth, I believe?" he began stepping into the room in answer to her mute gesture of invitation. T un- derstand that you feruled my son Chauncey today"
 1T did! !" said Miss Booth.
 And that you said if had any ob- 5ections you would ferule mel"
 "I did!" repeated Miss Booth. Hold our your hand!" t.
 She was close to the breaking point, weariness and fear, and loneliness all but overwhelmed her. It was all over! She would lose her position, perhaps have great trouble in getting another.
 And now," said the doctor, quietly, rubbing his hands upon his handker- chief, "lets talk this over. You see. haven't any objections to your ferul- ing my son"
 Miss Booths face became ashen.
 Don't be disturbed, beg," said the doctor. "I understand the whole thing. Chauncey is, as you know, motherless j; ! am away from home too much to
 
 he winds our cook round his little fin ger. It Is true, do not believe in whipping children too often, but there comes time with some when nothing else, apparently, will bring them to their senses. Chauncey has used a mistaken impression which prevailed about me to tyrannize over his teach CTS. I felt that any teacher without backbone enough to enforce obedience without fear or favor deserved no as Mstance from me. I am glad that he has found one of the other kind at last. He is at present in bed at home, and I think l can promise you that he pwin be obedient in the future! !"
 Miss Booth sat down weakly in her chair. The room was going round and the doctor was becoming giant. She presently woke to find him holding water to her lips, her head pillowed comfortably against his great arm.
 ssVoTJ litt1a aforementioned voica