“‘Get up, sir,’ he said.

“The lad looked at him to see if he was in earnest; then he cast his eyes toward the large boys to see if they were not going to take up his defense.

“‘Get up, sir,’ said the teacher a second time, and he took him by the collar of his jacket as if to raise him.  The lad saw he had no common man to deal with, and he rose from his seat.

“‘Follow me, sir,’ calmly spoke the teacher, and he led the way toward the hall, while the boy began to tremble, wondering if the new teacher was going to take him out and kill him.  The primary department was presided over by a sister of the new teacher, and into this room he led the young transgressor.

“Turning to his sister he said:  ’I have a pupil for you; select a seat for him, and let him remain here.  If he makes any disturbance whatever, inform me.’  Turning to the boy he said:  ’Young man, mind your teacher, and do not leave your seat until I give permission,’ and he was gone.

“The lad sat there, feeling very sheepish, and as misery loves company, it was not long before he was gratified to see the door open and observe his seat-mate enter with the new teacher, who repeated the previous orders, when he quietly and with dignity withdrew.

“The number was subsequently increased to three, the teacher returning each time without a word to the other scholars concerning the disposition made of the refractory lads.  The effect upon the rest of the school was remarkable.  As no intimation of the disposition of the boys was given, not a shade of anger displayed on the countenance of the new teacher, nor any appearances of blood were noticeable upon his hands, speculation was rife as to what he had done with the three chaps.  He spoke kindly to all, smiled upon the scholars who did well in their classes, and seemed to inspire all present with the truth of his remarks uttered at the opening of the session.

“At recess the mystery that had enveloped the school was cleared away, for the three lads in the primary department were seen as the rest of the scholars filed by the door.  While all the rest enjoyed the recess, the three lads were obliged to remain in their seats, and when school was dismissed for the forenoon, the new teacher entered the primary-room, and was alone with the young offenders.  He sat down by them, and like a father talked kindly and gave good advice.  No parent ever used more fitting words nor more impressed his offspring with the fitness thereof than did the new teacher.  Dismissing them, he told them to go home, and when they returned to school to be good boys.

“That afternoon the boys were in their seats, and in two weeks’ time there was not a scholar in the room who would not do anything the teacher asked.  He was beloved by all, and his quiet manner and cool, dignified ways made him a great favorite.  He only taught two terms, and every reasonable inducement was offered to prevail upon him to remain, but without avail.  His reply was:  “I have accomplished all I intended, namely, conquered what you thought was a wild lot of boys, and received the discipline that I required.  I regret leaving my charge, for I have learned to love them, but I am to enter a law office at once.”