[Sidenote: Truancy]
(3) _Indifference due to truancy._ The Milville School was noted for the
good attendance of its pupils. Mr. Benson of the eighth grade had been
especially anxious that his room should be the “banner room” in that
respect. He often said to the pupils, “You know, boys and girls, that
you are the highest grade. You are older than the other pupils and
surely you should have the best record of any grade in town.”
One warm, dull, spring day, three of the eighth grade boys were absent.
Mr. Benson’s inquiries as to their whereabouts failed to bring the
desired information but as he was going home that night, one of the
smaller boys confided to him, “I saw some of the big boys goin’
a-fishin’.”
The following day Mr. Benson requested the three boys to remain after
school. They admitted the truth of the charge that they had played
truant in order to go fishing, but promised not to offend again in this
way if they could be excused for this once.
“Boys, I can not let this pass without a punishment,” said Mr. Benson.
“Your offense is too serious. You not only have broken the regulations
of the school but you are now behind in your lessons and, furthermore,
you have lost for the grade the chance of being the ‘banner grade’ in
attendance. I shall punish each of you severely.” Taking a rule from the
desk he struck several severe blows upon the palm of each boy’s hand.
The boys never absented themselves from school again, but, on the other
hand, their indifference toward their studies was even more marked than
before.