Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 September 1901 — JUST A BOY’S JOKE. [ARTICLE]

JUST A BOY’S JOKE.

Echoolmaater Found Out Who Had a Hand in It The scholars of a Torquay school, having a grievance against a very unpopular master, took their revenge in the following manner: At nine o'clock in the morning, when the boys were assembled, a gong was sounded, and the schoolmaster in question used to come running down the stairs, with his hand sliding on the banister-rail. Knowing this, a number of the more daring scholars rubbed a thick mixture of tar and grease upon the rail. Next morning the school master came into the schoolroom with his hands covered with tar and grease. “Boys,” said he, in great finger, “if you do not tell me who has had a hand in this, I will thrash everyone in the class!” No answer. “Boys,” said he, “if anyone of you will tell me who has had a hand in this I will give him half a crown,>nd if he is not the guilty party I will not punish him.” For some moments there w-as no response. At last one of the boys held up his hand. There was consternation pictured upon the other scholars’ faces. Oh, the sneak! If they had him alone, what would they not do to him! The master said: “Speak, boy; do not be afraid of the others!” “If you please, sir,” was the answer, “if I tell you who has had a hand in this, you will not punish me, and you will give me half a crown ?” “Yes; that is the agreement.” “Then, if you please, sir, I think you have!” said the boy, pointing to the master’s tarred fingvrs.—London | Answers.