IN SCHOOL
The varying routine of school was a trying ordeal to Shawn. The spelling
classes, the reading and the terrible arithmetic were as a nightmare to
his mind which yearned for the freedom of the river and the woods. Afar
off yonder was the stream, where the white gulls were soaring lazily
above the channel. Through the windows he could see the tall sycamores
and the white-graveled beach, where he and Coaly had spent so many happy
hours. In his fancy he could see the cool crystal water oozing out from
the spring which he had dug in the sand, and which he had lined with
white boulders. Oh, to be down there, breathing the sweet air as he
paddled his john-boat about the stream. He turned from the enrapturing
view--turned to the hateful books. The children around him were bending
over their studies, happiness reflected from their faces, but gloom sat
on the countenance of Shawn. Oh, for Coaly and freedom. All might have
gone well had it not been for Coaly. To leave Coaly chained up at home
through the long hours; to be separated from this companion, who yelped
and begged so hard to be taken along, was becoming more unbearable each
day, and there came a day when the pleading eyes brought his release,
and together they marched into the school.
The story of "Mary's Little Lamb" was not associated with Coaly in
Shawn's mind. Shawn put his books on his desk, and Coaly lay down, as
peacefully accepting the new turn of affairs. Mrs. Wingate, the teacher,
came over to Shawn's desk and quietly said: "Shawn, you must put your
dog outside."
"Can't he stay if he keeps quiet?"
"No, we cannot have any dogs in the school-room."
Shawn gazed out upon the river and then down at Coaly.
"Come on, Coaly," he said as he started to the door. He passed out into
the hallway, Coaly following. Just as Coaly started through the doorway,
a boy gave him a vicious kick, which set him to howling. Shawn sprang
into the room.
"Who kicked my dog?"
A little girl said, "Henry Freeman did it!"
Good resolutions and books were forgotten. Farewell to every ambition.
Freeman tried to free himself from the enraged boy by climbing over the
desks and calling to the teacher. The little girls were screaming and
books and slates were scattered all about the room. Mrs. Wingate finally
succeeded in getting her hands on Shawn and drew him away as he planted
a parting blow on Freeman's nose. Shawn turned and facing the school,
tragically exclaimed, "Where I go, Coaly goes. Where Coaly goes, I go!"
Henry Freeman followed Shawn to the door. Shawn turned for battle
again, but Freeman used a more malicious weapon by saying, "Who's your
daddy? Who's your daddy?"
And then Shawn burst into tears.
The next morning a servant found on Mrs. Alden's porch a bundle
containing the books and clothes which she had given Shawn. Pinned to
the bundle was a note. In a scrawling hand was written, "I am much
abliged. I tride to keep my promise. I am going away. I have kept the
little testament. Shawn."