* * * * * `` I have a few words to say to you before you go , '' said Mr. Acton , pausing with his hand on the bell , Monday afternoon , when the hour came for dismissing school . The bustle of putting away books and preparing for as rapid a departure as propriety allowed , subsided suddenly , and the boys and girls sat as still as mice , while the hearts of such as had been guilty of any small sins began to beat fast . `` You remember that we had some trouble last winter about keeping the boys away from the saloon , and that a rule was made forbidding any pupil to go to town during recess ? '' began Mr. Acton , who , being a conscientious man as well as an excellent teacher , felt that he was responsible for the children in school hours , and did his best to aid parents in guarding them from the few temptations which beset them in a country town . A certain attractive little shop , where confectionery , baseballs , stationery , and picture papers were sold , was a favorite loafing place for some of the boys till the rule forbidding it was made , because in the rear of the shop was a beer and billiard saloon . A wise rule , for the picture papers were not always of the best sort ; cigars were to be had ; idle fellows hung about there , and some of the lads , who wanted to be thought manly , ventured to pass the green baize door `` just to look on . '' A murmur answered the teacher 's question , and he continued , `` You all know that the rule was broken several times , and I told you the next offender would be publicly reprimanded , as private punishments had no effect . I am sorry to say that the time has come , and the offender is a boy whom I trusted entirely . It grieves me to do this , but I must keep my promise , and hope the example will have a good effect . '' Mr. Acton paused , as if he found it hard to go on , and the boys looked at one another with inquiring eyes , for their teacher seldom punished , and when he did , it was a very solemn thing . Several of these anxious glances fell upon Joe , who was very red and sat whittling a pencil as if he dared not lift his eyes . `` He 's the chap . Wo n't he catch it ? '' whispered Gus to Frank , for both owed him a grudge . `` The boy who broke the rule last Friday , at afternoon recess , will come to the desk , '' said Mr. Acton in his most impressive manner . If a thunderbolt had fallen through the roof it would hardly have caused a greater surprise than the sight of Jack Minot walking slowly down the aisle , with a wrathful flash in the eyes he turned on Joe as he passed him . `` Now , Minot , let us have this over as soon as possible , for I do not like it any better than you do , and I am sure there is some mistake . I 'm told you went to the shop on Friday . Is it true ? '' asked Mr. Acton very gently , for he liked Jack and seldom had to correct him in any way .
`` Yes , sir ; '' and XXXXX looked up as if proud to show that he was not afraid to tell the truth as far as he could .
Acton Frank Jack Joe Minot afternoon baize hours loafing thunderbolt