[Sidenote: Keeping in Line]
“Here, come back here, you fellows,” called Mr. Girdlestone, the
teacher, to two lads going up the steps ahead of the lines. “What’s the
matter with you?”
The boys came back down the stairs, but as Mr. Girdlestone turned around
the older boy again started up the steps.
“Didn’t I tell you to come back here till your line formed, John?” cried
the teacher, angrily, as he grabbed the pupil by the collar.
“I guess you won’t shake me,” responded the boy angrily as he caught the
teacher’s arm.
A scene of confusion followed, but the youth got his shaking and went
sullenly about his work.
At the close of the day the pupil was called to the office.
“I fear I must punish you more severely for your conduct in resisting my
correction, John,” began the teacher, firmly. “Come down stairs with me
and we will try to settle this affair.”
“I guess you will have to ketch me first,” returned John, with triumph
in his voice, as he ran down the other stairs.
Mr. Girdlestone was able to block his way of going home, but unable to
lay hands on the pupil.
“You may take your punishment or not get a chance to go home tonight,”
insisted the teacher.
“Well, you fire me, then,” suggested John quickly.
“I don’t intend to suspend you,” replied the teacher. “I don’t want to.”
“Go ahead and fire me. I’m just lookin’ for a chance to quit school,
anyway,” returned the boy, sullenly.
“John,” said the head of the school, firmly but kindly, “come on with me
and let’s talk this affair over. Maybe we can settle it in that way.”
After considering for a few moments, during which he eyed his teacher
narrowly, John finally came along.
“Now,” said Mr. Girdlestone, as they reached the office again, “I guess
we were both just a little to blame in this matter. I guess we both lost
our heads and were too hasty in our conduct. I am willing to assume my
share of the blame and apologize to you for my hastiness.”
“All right,” replied the pupil, in a subdued tone, “I know I didn’t do
what I ought to in this scrape. I got mad when you took hold of me, but
I’m ready to straighten the thing up now.”
“Very well,” responded the teacher, kindly. “Let’s shake hands on this
affair and try to do better in the future.”
“All right,” said John, smiling, “I guess it will be a lesson to me.”
John continued his school work with more interest in the future and a
few years later graduated from the high school.