[Sidenote: Paper Wads]
Algie B. knew all the fun there is in throwing paper wads, particularly
when he could run the greatest risks of detection and yet escape
discovery. Said he to himself one busy morning:
“I believe I’ll take a shot at Redtop. The teacher’s got him scared into
looking at his book; he’s got to be waked up.”
A good-sized wad soon sped across space, struck Redtop plump on the side
of the head, fell and rolled back toward Algie.
“Better yet, I’ll just get that wad and have it for another shot. It’s a
lucky boy I am, if I can do that.”
Stooping, he made four stealthy steps forward, regained his wad and slid
back into his seat. When Miss Stone looked about, the next moment
Algie’s eyes fell to his book and all was quiet and peaceful as a day in
spring.
This fine example of bravery and success was not lost on other restless
spirits. By the next day an observing onlooker counted up ten instances
in which sly wad-throwers had reproduced Algie’s feat.
On the third day over-boldness brought the climax. Miss Stone had been
too much absorbed to note the minor noises that were provoked. But when
Amy Lane, nervous, uncontrolled, uttered a yell of terror as a cold wad
struck her in the back of her neck and slipped down, ten pupils broke
loose in a chorus of laughter.
Miss Stone roused up and, strange to say, succeeded in getting a story
of the recent happenings. She threatened the last culprit, who in
self-defense said,
“Why must I suffer when all the other boys do the same thing?” and he
named nearly every boy in school, ending up with Algie.
Her threats of punishment of course were vain in the presence of so many
offenders. With a sharp talk she dropped the discussion.