[Sidenote: Carbon Bisulphide]
The room was full of pupils. A representative of one of the numerous
book companies was present. Everything was moving smoothly and in order,
when suddenly the room began to fill with the disagreeable odor of
carbon bisulphide. It grew worse and worse. Pupils were holding their
noses to keep out the smell, and some were covering their mouths to keep
in the laughter.
The situation was trying for the teacher. He was embarrassed by the
presence of the visitor, under such odoriferous circumstances. What was
to be done? It would be useless to hold a public inquiry. It was a time
both for thought and tact. Finally the teacher evolved his plan.
Going on with the work, just as if nothing had happened, the teacher
conducted the remaining recitations of the day, as usual. Meantime he
kept his eyes open. The odor gradually grew less offensive and most of
the pupils quietly resumed their customary work.
The vigilance of the schoolmaster was finally rewarded. One of the boys
seemed to be enjoying the situation to a greater degree than the rest.
He was unable to entirely conceal his enjoyment and this was the
teacher’s clue. He kept his eye innocently on this boy.
Just as school was about to close for the day, the teacher said: “Frank,
I’d like to see you a few moments after dismissal.”
Frank remained. His countenance paled slightly and he no longer had
difficulty in suppressing his enjoyment.
“Frank,” began the principal, “where did that preparation that made such
a disagreeable odor here this afternoon come from?”
Frank looked guilty.
“I didn’t have it here in the room,” he replied.
“Yes, Frank, but that’s not answering my question,” responded the
inquisitor severely.
“Well, I had some bisulphide down on the playground, but I didn’t bring
it into the school-room,” Frank finally admitted.
“What did you do with it?”
“I gave it to Harry.”
“What did he do with it?”
“I don’t know.”
“Very well, you are excused for the present, till we can see Harry.”
The next night Frank and Harry were both asked to remain. The
superintendent was present. Two pale boys appeared before the teachers.
“Harry, what did you do with the bottle of bisulphide you got from Frank
yesterday?” inquired the superintendent.
“I kept it down on the playground awhile and then threw it here in the
wastebasket,” was Harry’s candid response.
“Didn’t you know what was in the bottle?” resumed the teacher.
“No, sir, I didn’t.”
“Didn’t Frank tell you?”
“No, sir, he didn’t.”
“Is that right, Frank?”
“I guess that’s right,” said Frank seriously.
Evidently Harry was innocent for the most part. After sound admonition
by the superintendent the boys were dismissed. Frank was very careful
thereafter and Harry was always an exemplary pupil. No further
disturbances of this nature occurred during the year.
A little tact and patience on the part of the teacher will often be
highly rewarded in the school-room.
(4) _Teaching children how to play rightly._ All playgrounds, while in
use, should be supervised by one or more responsible teachers.