Jim was very angry, but when he attempted to strike his persecutor, he would take hold of Jim’s hands, and he was so much stronger that he could easily hold them.

Jim then tried kicking, but as he was barefoot, he could not do much execution in that line; besides, while he was using one foot in this way, his tormentor would tread upon the other with his heavy boot.

[Illustration:  “Isaac remonstrated with the boys.”]

When Isaac came up and saw what was going on, he remonstrated with the boys for countenancing such proceedings; and such was his influence, and the force of truth, that most of them agreed that it was “too bad;” though he was such an “ugly boy,” they said, “that he was hardly worth pitying.”

The principal actor, however, did not like Isaac’s interference; but he soon saw that Isaac was not afraid of him, and that he was too popular with the boys to be made the object of abuse.  As he turned to go away, Isaac said to Jim:—­

“I’ll keep my eyes upon you, and when you go home, I’ll go with you.  It is on my way; they shan’t hurt you; so don’t cry any more.  Come Jim, go home with me; I’m going now,” continued Isaac.

Jim did not look up or make any answer.  He did not know what to make of Isaac’s behavior toward him.  It could not be because he was afraid of him, and wished to gain his good will, for Isaac was not afraid of one much stronger than he.  He had never heard of the command, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you,” for he had never been to Sabbath school, and could not read the Bible.

He followed silently and sullenly, pretty near to Isaac, till he had reached home, if that sacred name can with propriety be applied to such a wretched abode of sin and misery.

He parted from Isaac without thanking him for his good offices in his behalf.  This Isaac did not wonder at, considering the influences under which the poor lad had grown up.  That he parted with him without abusing him, Isaac considered as something gained.

The next morning George and Isaac met on their way to school.  As they passed the drunkard’s dwelling, Jim was at the door, but he did not look up or say anything as they passed.  He looked very much as though he had been whipped.  George did not know what had taken place the day before.

“What keeps Jim so still?” said he.

“Oh, I’ve had him in hand.”

[Illustration:  “Jim was at the door, but he did not look up or say anything.”]

“Have you!  I’m glad of it.  When was it?”

“Yesterday.”

“At election?”

“Yes.”

“Anybody see you do it?”

“Yes; some of the boys.”

“Found it easy enough, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Did you give him enough to stop him?”

“I guess so; he is pretty still this morning, you see.”

Upon the strength of this conversation, George circulated a report that Isaac had flogged Jim.  This created a good deal of surprise, as it was not in keeping with Isaac’s character.  The report at length reached the ears of the teacher.