Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 August 1884 — WEED AND WINDIN' BLADES. [ARTICLE]

WEED AND WINDIN' BLADES.

YoungL;Henry Hayloidexperienced., much difficulty in finding, in his somewhat contracted sphere of operation, a vocation which would yield a pleasurable, not to say remunerative return. One day, after having experimented with quite a number of “callings,” inefuding a mild attempt in the pulpit, he heard that a school-teacher was greatly needed in a far-removed district, known as “Panter Walk.” He began the study of veterinary surgery, but not being very much taken with the profession, he decided to go at once to “Panter Walk” and begin the muchneeded course of instruction. Arriving, he found a small log school-house sparsely supplied with benches. The farmers whom he consulted, agreed that a school was the very thing they needed, but that no one could expect much “of a showin’ till arter the crops were laid by.” This was certainly discouraging, but as young Hayloidhad nothing else in view, he decided to remain and take his chances. When school opened, only two “scholars” made their appearance, the family property ot old Jim Socklaster. One was a “gangling” boy, whose awkward form and recklessness of gait, had won the appellation of “Windin’ Blades.” The girl, tall and, with a disposition to romp, was rather good-looking, and wore around her light hair a blue rib-bon—silken-streak of civilization. “And what is your name?” asked the teacher. " . „ _ “They call me Weed, sir,” she said. “Why did they give you such a name ?”

“Cause she growed so fast,” interrupted Windin’ Blades. As no other pupils came, Hayloid decided to go ahead regardless of numbers. It was with some trouble that the two students could be classified. Windin’ Blades had only one book, a tattered copy of “Paradise Lost," of which he could not read a line, and Weed had brought a work treating of agriculture among the ancient Egyptians. “Where did you get these books ?” asked the teacher, “A tramp gave ’em to us for a jug of buttermilk,” replied Windin' Blades. “Can your father read ?” “He can read little books, but he can’t read one as big as this.” “Your mother can doubtless read,” turning to the girl. “She can’t read how, but she uster could.” “Why can’t she read now?“ “Because the book she learned to read is dun lost There comes pap;" Old man Socklasterentered, nodded, and said: “Mornin’ to you, mornin’, sir. Got sort o’ slim prospeck.” “Yes the children don’t seem to be coming very rapidly. Old Socklaster was not disappointed at the “slim prospeck.” In fact, he was rather pleased to note what encouragement, above his neighbors, he was extending to the cause of education. .

“I reckin’ you’re goin’ to go right on with the undertakin jes’ the same as if you had a whole passel o’ scholars?” "Yes,” replied Hayloid, “I came here to teach and so long as I can secure the attendance of a single pupil, I shall continue to make my best efforts in behalf of learning.” “Glad to know it. Y’ou’re the only right sort o teacher we’ve had in this community for some time.” “By the v ay. Mr. Socklaster, these books with which your children have been provided are by no means appropriate.” "What's the matter with 'em?” "One treats of agriculture several thousand years ago, telling of wooden plows and ox thrashing machines; the other is a book which only advanced students can read and understand.” "Wall, the feller we got -them from said they waa good books, and he’s a older man than you are. -Better let ’em worry along with them books awhile, an’ airter they’ve dun learnt all there is in ’em, w’y then I’ll git some, better ones. Good day. Wush you mighty well with your undertakin’.” Fortunately, Hayloid had brought a few books for beginners. He had no trouble in effecting an exchange, for the bright fixtures settled at once the question as to their worth. Windin’ Blades and Weed had scarcely explored the mysteries of the alphabet, but they proved to be attentive,’ and evinced such a desire to learn that Hayloid did not regret having begun business with "such slim prospecks.” - The teacher boarded in a quiet family, where the sunlight that a little child brings was unknown, where a deaf, old man and a knitting old woman sat down nightly to the exploration of their own thoughts. All that Hayloid could got out of the old man was “hah”

—with one hand behind his ear —And as the old lady seemed Io drop a stitch everytime he addressed her,, she was allowed to pursue an uninterrupted course of self-investigation. Windin’ Blades and Weed, day after day, continued to be the only pupils. Corn was “laid by,’’ and the farmers’ boys had no particular work, to perform, yet the census of the school remained the same. To watch the development of Weed’s mind was an interesting study. She was remarkably bright, and learned with a readin ss which surprised Hayloid. Windin’ after all, was inclined to bridle. He had a passion lor carrying grasshoppers in his pockets. These insects occupied his entire time on the ground, and at last, after much experiment, he succeeded in harnessing them to a diminutive wagon which he had constructed. The teacher remonstrated with him coppering this worthless absorption, and once he spoke to his father, but the old man instead of being displeased, smiled until the tolmccc spit ran from the corners of his mouth. “Let him go,” he replied. “I was sorter o’ that turn myself when I was a boy,’ an’ daddy ’lowed that I wouldn’t amount to nothin’, but arter awhile I turned out to be the best plow boy in the country.”

Winter came, and still no other pupils appeared. By the bright log fire, while the snowstorm raged outside, Hayloid found himself better contented than he had ever been before, and his interest, instead of becoming less, grew greater. The teacher had at first decided that he would not beg for pupils, and on no occasion did lie request the; farmers to send their children. He was treated politely, yet he could see that the people of the noighbornood cared nothing for his society, but as this indifference was mutual he spent very little time in regret. One day Windin’ Blades failed to come, but Weed, with her face all aglow with healthful exercise, came as usual. When she had hung up her homespun cloak and shaken the snow from her bright hair, Hayloid asked : “Where is your brother?” “He ain’t here.” “I see he’s not hero, but where is he?” “At home.” “Why didn’t he come ?” “Had to go to mill.” “Weed, don’t you think that you are learning very rapidly ?” “Yes, sir.” “I don't think that I ever saw. any one make such progress; —You have a fine order of mind, and I hope that after I leave the neighborhood you will still pursue your studies,” “You are not thinking about leaving, are you ?” looking up with eyes in which there lurked shadows of sadness. ■ —== “I shall not leave immediately, but in justice to myself I can not remain here much longer.” She twisted the flax home-made button on her dress, and gazed fixedly at the roaring logs. “Do you want mo to stay here?” he asked. ‘ Yes,” twisting the button. “But you know that I cannot stay here always.” “No,” she replied, with brightening eyes, “we can’t stay anywhere always. We have to die some time.” ‘‘ Why, Weed, you are run nin tr ahead of your studies. You have jumped from the Fourth Reader to an advanced book of philosophy.” She did not thoroughly comprehend his meaning, but she laughed and bestowed on him a glance which forever remained a pleasant memory. “Do you, so fresh and vigorous, with such bloom of perfect life, ever think of dying?”

“Yes,” she replied, sadly, “my little sister was the picture of life, with more bloom than I have and with a face so bright that everybody wanted to kiss it, but she died. When they said that she could not get well I did not believe them, but one morning when I went to the bed and found the bloom all gone, I knew that they had told me the truth. Now I know that every bodycan die and that the bloom does not mean life but many times means death.” He looked at her in surprise. He had taken great pains to correct her language, and had from day to day noted her advancement; yet he was not prepared for the expression of such views, common enough with older people, but rare with one so young. “You are right, Weed. The rose may be bright to-day, but to-night a frost may kill it; but we have wandered from our subject. What was I trying to tell you, anyway?” “About your going to leave.” “Oh, yes. You know that I cannot remain here much longer. Very few men would have staid this long, but I, having nothing to do—” “And did you stav here because you had nothing to do?” “I don’t exactly mean,that. I mean that I could not have, remained had other business engagements- pressed me.”

“But you .would not have come hero had other business engagements pressed you.” . “You are developing tact as well as philosophy. Now, to tell you the truth, after staying here three days no business could have called me away. Only one person could have influenced me to leave.” “Who?” “You, and you alone.” “How could I have had any influence?” “You possess an Unconscious influence that is stronger than iron. If you had said you did not want me to remain I should have gone away. 41 have studied your face closely, and I have ever seen, or fancied that I saw, kindness and welcome in y.our eyes.” “Isn’t it time to take'in school, Mr. Hayloid?” : ‘ . . "No, there is time for nothing but to tell you of my deep lovefor you. r I love you with a heart that was never before moved.” She had twisted off the button, and sat changing it from one hand to the other. * - "No woman, no matter how cultivated, could win my Jove from you.” “Do you know why I learned so

fast ?” she asked, dropping the button and clasping her hands. . “Because you have a bright mind.”, “No, because I love you.” He caught her in his arms and was pressing her lips when Windin’ Blades burst into the room. “Thjar now,” he said, stopping in amazement “Thar now Mr, Hayloid. Don’t say nothin’ morei to me "’bout kitchin’ grasshoppers. I’d rather be kotch puttin’ gear on grasshoppers than to be kotch puttin’ my arms round a gal. Whoop!” and Windin’ Blades, in celebration of his conquest, seized a bench leg and belabored the writingtable. “I’m goin' to tell pa on you, sir,” said the girl. “I’m goin’ to tell him on you,” again whooping and striking the table. “I don’t see how anybody can study when you are making such a noise.” “Study, liar yah, whoop!” and he raised a deafening din. “Wai,” when he had sufficiently commemorated his discovery, “believe I’ll go home if thar ain’t goin’ to be no school,” and before a protest could be made, Windin’ Blades had leaped from the door and disappeared. “That was unfortunate,” said Hayloid, “and I would give almost anything if it could be recalled. “Are you sorry that you told me ?” “Oh, no.” “Then you are that—that you tried to kiss me?” - “No; for if some one had stepped in and shot me I should not have regretted my action.” “And you do love me as truly as you say you do?” ‘ Deeper than I can express, and I want you to be my wife.” “Don’t you think that I am too much of a child ?” - - “No, you are quite a woman, We can study together, and your bright mind can blossom into a flower of brilliance and beauty.” They are standing in front of the fife.’ .

“I will be your wife.” He took her in his arms, and was in the. act of kissing her, when the old man Socklaster stepped into the room. “Hello! Wall, by jinks, this is a funny sort o’ school.” Hayloid stammered an unintelligible reply. "‘Sort o’ kissin’ school, an’ I must say that if Weed has lant as fast in that ar branch as she has in her books, she’s a mighty ap’ scholar. Can’t you. sorter 'splain yourse’f, mister!” - “There is not much of an explanation to make, old gentleman,” replied the teacher. “I love your daughter and she loves me. I have asked her to be my wife, and she has—” “Told him that I am too young,” interposed the blushing girl. “Wall,” said the old man in expletive, for he could really say nothing, and only said “wall” to gain time. “Wall, I reckon that a gal what takes so nachul to kissin’ ain’t much too young to get maried.” ! ’ “Did you meet Windin’ Blades,” asked the girl. “No, I hain’t seed him since he left home. Here he is now.” “Pap, whut you reckon?” '“I reckon a good deal.” “Wall. Mr. Hayloid has been er kissin’ of Weed.”

“He’s got a right to kiss Weed. He’s goin’ ter be yei brother.”. “How?” ■ “By liiarryin' Weed. Wall, I reckon the school ’nd better break up fur terday. Come an’ we’ll all go home. Mur will be glad ter hear o’ the ’gagement, fur she’s mightily pleased with Weed’s lamin’. A woman can go through life erlarnin’, but airier a boy gets to be bout 21, he thinks he knows it all an’ don’t larn no more.” The old lady was indeed pleased to hear of the engagement, as she “tuck such a likin’ ter the young man” that she opened the pear preserves which she had been saving for the preacher. At night, while in contented half circle they sat by the fire, Hayloid remarked : , “It has ever been a mystery to me why I did not have more pupils. I was told that the people of this neighborhood wanted a school.” The old man laughed. “Day after day.” continued the teacher, “I expected to receive additional encouragement, but as you know I was disappointed. What kind of people have you in this country, any - how?!!)--“Fust-rate folks.”

“They evidently do not care to see their children educated ?” “Oh, yas, they’re mighty keen fur edycation.” “Then they certainly have a poor opinion of my ability as a teacher?” “Ah. no; they think you’re a mighty smart man.” “Well then, confound it, why didn't they send their children to school.” “I’m soon ter be ver daddv-in-law, ain’t 1 ?” “Yes.” ’ z “An’ yer won’t think hard o’ the ole man if he tell's yer a joke ?” “Of course not.” ' “Well, when if was knowed that yer was cornin’ here, I went ’round an’ told all the folks thet yer owed me money, an’ wan’t goin to teach no chillun but' mine. They would er &ent off an’ got another teacher but you see I rented the school-house fur a year. Now,” and the old man laughed heartily, “I’ll go aroun’ an’ explain, I’m putty well fixed, thank yer, an’ what I’ve "got is yourn.” ' Henry and Weed now conduct one of the most flourishing schools in Arkansaw, and old man Socklaster, it is said has learned to write his own nsnie.t— 'traveler.