Year: 1879

rather split, for it left very sharp pointed
weapon in Henry's hands.


The idea of lending aid in the struggle
did not seem to enter the minds of the other
boys. In fact, what had occurred took
place so suddenly and Unexpectedly that
but little chance for doing anything was
afforded.


Several of the girls pushed up one of the
back windows, and by their screams at
tracted the attention of the man who had
already shot at the dog, and was now look
ing for him.


Meantime Henry was keeping the creature
at bay, so that he could not get at the
scholars, by continual blows and kicks. He
had not yet been bitten, but his trowsers
were badly torn. At length he tried new
plan.


He held out his left hand towards the
dog, and as the animal started forward to
seize it, he thrust the point of the broken
cane into the open mouth.


The creature bit it savagely, but Henry
holding on to the advantage he had gained,
continued to push ii further into the dogs
mouth.


''Come here, Joe, quick" he called; and
one of the largest boys came up.


'Now you kick him while | hold on
here, he said, keeping tight hold of the
cane, which seemed wedged into the dogs
mouth.


Joe drew back his heavy farm boot, and
kicked with all his might directly against
the creatures side.


''Not there; no, not there" cried Henry.
''Kick him under the stomach, SO as to take
away his breath"


Again Joe drew off and kicked, and this
time fortunately the dog was lifted off his
feet and tumbled senseless against the wall.


''Open the window! open the window"
Henry called out.


Several boys sprang forward to obey, and
the dog, on the point of reviving, was seized
and thrown out into the yard. A moment
later the report Of Mr.. Atkins gun told that
the poor creatures career was ended.


took long breath. 1t seemed as though
it was the first time ! had breathed since
the dog entered the room. He was gone
and the only traces left of the unfortunate
creature were some stains on the floor, two
windows open, broken cane, and several
scholars out of their seats.


Henry was coolly walking to his seat
when l stopped him.


'Henry, are you sure youare not bittenl"
| asked.


81 don't think he bit me anywhere" he
answered, looking at his hands.


examined them carefully How glad
was that could not find upon them a single
scratch


Involuntarily exclaimed, "You are a
noble, brave boy thank you with all
my heart, for myself and for the school,
and shall remember you as long as | live J"


He looked for an instant frankly and with
pleased expression into my face, and then
without word, took his seat


thought that in the present excited state
of both teacher and scholars, teaching would
be an impossibility, and with few words
dismissed the school until afternoon.


The entire village was much excited by
this extraordinary event. as was natural it
should be, OF course, Henry was quite a
hero in the town, but it seemed to me that
no amount OF praise went beyond what he
deserved.


wrote an account of the matter for a
local journal. From that it was copied into
some of the city newspapers.


/ also wrote to wealthy gentleman of
my acquaintance, and told him the whole
story He replied by an invitation to Henry
to come to the city and see him, enclosing
check to pay his fare.


Acting under my advice, the brave boy
gave up his place on the farm and went to
the city. My friend Immediately gave him
employment with good wages, so as to allow
him to save money to pay the expense of
his education. He had also time given him
to continue his studies in preparation for
college, where | expect he will soon go.