Year: 1872

opened by removing the chinks and
daubing, and gathering about roaring g
fire in the huge fireplace, we awaited
the approach of the enemy. As the
time approached for the masters COM
ing dread silence fell upon the little
crowd, SO that when he did come we
could hear his heavy tread upon the
crusted snow, and many a heart sunk
and face whitened in terror.


Our leaders sprang to their posts
each side of the door, and on being Or
dered to-surrender, boldly demanded a
weeks holiday and a treat of cider and
apples.


This was sternly refused.


p" FireI" cried Bill and Bob, and two
poles were thrust out with all the
strength the stout arms could give them.
They took the indignant pedagogue in
the sides with such force that, but for
his thick flannel oven coat, holes might
have been made in his wicked body.
AS it was, he staggered back, and for
twenty minutes or more we saw him
sitting upon log catching his breath
and rubbing his wounded sides. We
gave no end of loud cheers, claiming
for ourselves the first knock down, if
not the first blood.


At the end Of twenty minutes the
master arose. Digging the huge stone
from under the snow, he approached
and threw it with great violence against
the door. The stout oak batting fairly
shook under the blow, but held its own.
Another, and, another followed, amid
jeers and laughter, encouraged by our
noble leaders to keep up the courage of
their followers. The fourth stone split
the door, and the fifth broke the upper
wooden hinge, and but for the barricade
within the breach would have been avail
able. The enemy, now being aware of
the defense within, suddenly dropped
the stone and ran in at the door. We
were not to be taken by surprise.
Again were the sharp lances thrust out.
One hit with decided effect in the COM
missary, vulgaily called stomach the
other, as he 81 tooped doubled by the
pain, in the, face, inflicting an ugly
wound, from which the bloc flowed in
profusion. He rctreated, and we saw
him fairly dance with rage and pain.
The more of this he INDUCED in, the
wilder grew our delight, which we tosti-
6e in screams of laughter.


lie soon ended this exhibition an
disappeared aroun l the school house,
evide ntly on reconnaissance. There was
q dead silence, and we realized that





unknown movement oil silent enemy.
This was ended by noise upon the
roof, and soon volumes of smoke pour
ing into the room told us that stragety
had taken the place of assault. We
were to be smoked out.


For a moment our leaders looked
puzzled. Fortunately, in the excite
ment of the conflict, the fire had not
been fed, and now only few embers
and chunks supplied the smoke. These
were scattered upon the broad hearth,
and water thrown in to extinguish the
remainder. Then Bill and Bob, select
ing four of the stoutest poles, thrust
them up the chimney, and at the word
We gave, to use our own phrase, /" q
bloody hist"


The consequences were rattling of
falling boards, with the unmistakable
thump of heavier body upon the
ground. We found afterwards that the
master had not only covered the chin
ney top with boards, but had seated
himself upon them the sudden and
unexpected "hist" had tumbled him off
We heard dismal groans and cries for
relief from the enemy.


Some were in favor of going at once
to his assistance others, more cautious,





"He's hollerin' too loud to be hurt
much," said shrewd Bob.


- We had a division in our council of
war. This ended in call for volun-
teer TO make a sortie and investigate.
Jack Loder, one of the most daring and
active among the younger boys, respond
ed. A shutter on the opposite side to
the cries for help was opened quickly
To- NJ 1cf Nha Oe h ic
was not only a. cessation of groaning,
butea chase that we witnessed through
thesport holes. Jack was good run
ner, and when the two disappeared over
the meadow, into the willow thicket,
Jack was gaining on him, and we had
good hopes of his escape. To our dis
may and horror, in half an hour we saw
the master returning with poor Jack in
his grasp. He had hostage, and Was
swift in his use of the advantage. Stop
ping before the house, he. began whip,
ping the poor fellow numerically
Jacks cries were piteous.


ooh, let him in, boys; let him in,
he's KILN o. me-" rung IN our ears
There was hurried consultation. The
benches and desks were quietly removed
from the door. A sortie had been de
termined on. The master stood at the
side of the house south OF the door, and
as soon as the opening was made, Bill
unclosed shutter and proposed par
ley. The answer was rush at the open
window by the master, who began climb
ing in. Brave little Jack seized him by
the legs, and before he could kick hin
off a dozen stout lads were clinging tx
them, while as many more held him OF
the inside. Bill seizea the rope and at
| tempted to pass the moose over his arms
In the hurry and confusion of the fgh
he succeeded only in getting it over hi
head. Pulling it as the boys did, ther,
was fair prospect of ending the usefu
| labors of this teacher by stran gulation
That he deserved it no one of us doubt
ed but Bob, having climbed over th'
master in the window, and with all tn
school pulling at the ends of old Bangs
was soon master of the situation. Gettin
hold of the rope, and assisted by Bill
he succeeded in tying the arms of tn
almost exhausted man to his sides. 81
was then tumbled from th3 window a
unceremoniously as a pig Esz


"Win you give up ?'' demanded ou


"No," gasped the master.


Then we'll put you down the wei
| hanged five don't p sEEs sz-