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- Author: Jr. Horatio Alger
Book online «Walter Sherwood's Probation by Jr. Horatio Alger (unputdownable books txt) 📖». Author Jr. Horatio Alger
“What, and leave us?” asked the old lady reproachfully.
“But, Colonel Owen, remember that I shall be earning a good salary.”
“You can find a use for it. It will help make up for some of the losses you have incurred. Shall I say you will accept the post?”
“Yes, sir. I will try it, and hope to succeed.”
CHAPTER XXXIX THE NEW MASTER
On the platform of the main schoolroom in the Shelby Classical Institute stood Colonel Owen and Walter Sherwood.
“My young friends,” began Colonel Owen, “you are all aware that your respected teacher, Mr. Haywood, is obliged to be absent for the remainder of the term. I have been able to secure as his substitute Mr. Walter Sherwood, who will do his best to carry on the work which Mr. Haywood has so auspiciously commenced. I hope you will receive him cordially and uphold him in his task.”
Walter felt some diffidence as he realized what a responsibility had been placed upon him.
He cleared his throat and spoke a few words.
“Colonel Owen has introduced me to you and expressed a hope in which I join him—that you will receive me cordially and uphold me in my work. I will now go about among the seats, make inquiries as to your progress, and arrange the classes.”
This short speech made a favorable impression upon all the pupils with two exceptions. These were the largest scholars—Ben Buffum and Enoch Snow. What they thought of Walter may be gathered from their conversation as they walked home together.
“What do you think of the new master, Ben?” said Enoch.
“I s'pose he'll do. He ought to, if he's been to college; but I'll tell you what, Enoch, it riles me to have a boy of my own age set over me.”
“Me ditto!”
“He would do for a primary school, but when it comes to young men like us, I don't like to let people know that he's my teacher.”
“It's all right for the others to obey him, but you and I are just as strong as he, and maybe stronger.”
“I guess I could floor him in wrestling.”
“You're too much for me, Ben, and I think I can stand up to him, and maybe lick him.”
“It's likely you can. Now, there was Hayward—he was a big man. I didn't mind obeying him.”
“Are you talking about Mr. Sherwood?” asked Harry Howe, a boy of fourteen.
“No, I'm not. I'm talking about Mr. Hayward.”
“How do you like the new teacher?”
“He's only a boy. He'll have a hard row to hoe.”
“Who'll make it hard for him?”
“Enoch and I.”
“Then it will be a shame. He seems to be a perfect gentleman.”
“Gentleman! He's only a boy, like ourselves.”
“At any rate, he knows enough to teach us.”
“That may be, but he can't keep order.”
“Why can't he?”
“You'll see whether he can or not,” said Ben, significantly.
“Are you going to make trouble?”
“It isn't best for small boys to know too much.”
Walter had not failed to notice the half-rebellious demeanor of his two oldest pupils. Moreover, he had been warned by the janitor of the building that they would be likely to give him trouble.
CHAPTER XL. BEN IS SUBDUED
Ben Buffum was biding his time.
In the seat in front of Ben sat Albert Frost, a much smaller boy.
One day, toward the close of the afternoon, a loud shriek was heard in the neighborhood of Ben Buffum's desk.
Walter looked up and saw Albert in tears.
“What is the matter, Albert?” asked Walter.
“Ben Buffum stuck a pin in my leg,” answered the boy. “Is that true, Buffum?” demanded Walter sternly.
“Yes, it is,” answered Ben, with provoking calmness.
Walter's temper was stirred, but he asked in his ordinary tones: “Why did you do it?”
“Because I chose,” answered Ben.
“Then,” said Walter, giving full vent to his scorn, “you are a contemptible coward and brute!
“You forget that in this schoolroom I am the master, and consider it my duty to defend my pupils, even the smallest, from the violence of brutes.”
“He'll have to pay for this,” he muttered to himself. “I can lick you, Walter!” he said, with an insolent leer.
He had hardly got the words out of his mouth when Walter was upon him. He was wonderfully quick in his movements, whereas Ben, though powerful, was slow, and before he well knew what was going to happen he was dragged by the collar from his seat into the middle of the floor. Walter let go for a minute, and Ben, mad all over, prepared to grasp him in a bearlike hug. A stinging blow in the face convinced him that he had entirely underrated the powers of the teacher. He tried to return the blow, but, unable to defend himself, found his own blow parried and another planted in his chest, causing him to stagger. Then Ben lost all caution, and with a furious cry rushed upon Walter, in hope of throwing him down by wrestling. But, instead, he found himself lying on his back on the floor, looking up at the teacher.
Ben got up slowly and “pitched in” once more, but in about a minute he found himself again in a recumbent position.
“Have you had enough?” asked Walter.
“I hit my head,” answered Ben, in a sulky tone.
“I hope you are not seriously hurt,” said Walter, quietly. “If you would
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