I was a teacher then, as now,
And made a little spending money.
By training big and little sprouts,
In a mining town called Pony.
One night the biggest boy I had,
For having cracked a rigid rule,
Was bade to stay and con his books
Some fifteen minutes after school.
I for a moment turned my back—
On other duties then intent—
The fellow slyly raised a sash
And through the opening quickly went.
Next eve, as extra punishment,
I gave him minutes forty-five;
And, lest he play the prank again,
I kept my every sense alive.
The task performed, he left the room;—
The sun was shining then, no more,—
And when, soon afterwards, I left,
I found him waiting at the door.
"'Tis getting late," the youth remarked,
"For ladies to be out alone,
And, may I have the pleasure, Miss,
Of seeing that you're safely home?"
I smiled and took the gallant's arm,
What else could anybody do?
I've liked the fellow ever since
And have no doubt he likes me too.