Mr. Herron went to the school board meeting and made a request.
[Sidenote: Dropping Things]
“The boys are not under good control. I think I need authority to use
corporal punishment. I would like you to grant this authority at this
meeting.” The request was granted.
Mr. Herron next day made the following announcement:
“No more painting pans to be dropped, not one. I was at the school board
meeting last night and my request for the right to use force to secure
obedience was granted.”
He seemed two inches taller for a moment as he came to the climax of his
speech. But the quality of his voice did not promise any stronger
manhood than he had displayed hitherto.
He had scarcely finished his talk until a “careless” elbow knocked a pan
to the floor and a long familiar rattle was again echoed over the
schoolroom.
Mr. Herron knew who was the offender, but did not disclose the fact.
Soon he walked nonchalantly up from a rear position toward Herbert
Brown. Herbert eyed him through the corner of his eye and squared
himself for trouble.
Presently Mr. Herron stepped up to Herbert and in a flash struck him a
light blow on the side of the head, saying in a strong voice,
“Take that.”
Herbert threw up his hand to shield his face from attack and said, “Take
what?”
“Put your hand down,” was the next command. No response, but a taunting
look from Herbert.
“Put down your hand, I tell you.”
Mr. Herron had forgotten all about the dropping of the paint pan and was
intent on securing obedience to another command. He failed. He allowed
his attention to be diverted to another part of the room, his attitude
of authority to subside, and Herbert to do whatever he found to do.