At the close of the day the pupil was called to the office. “I fear I must punish you more severely for your conduct in resisting my correction, John,” began the teacher, firmly. “Come down stairs with me and we will try to settle this affair.” “I guess you will have to ketch me first,” returned John, with triumph in his voice, as he ran down the other stairs. Mr. Girdlestone was able to block his way of going home, but unable to lay hands on the pupil. “You may take your punishment or not get a chance to go home tonight,” insisted the teacher. “Well, you fire me, then,” suggested John quickly. “I don’t intend to suspend you,” replied the teacher. “I don’t want to.” “Go ahead and fire me. I’m just lookin’ for a chance to quit school, anyway,” returned the boy, sullenly. “John,” said the head of the school, firmly but kindly, “come on with me and let’s talk this affair over. Maybe we can settle it in that way.” After considering for a few moments, during which he eyed his teacher narrowly, John finally came along. “Now,” said Mr. Girdlestone, as they reached the office again, “I guess we were both just a little to blame in this matter. I guess we both lost our heads and were too hasty in our conduct. I am willing to assume my share of the blame and apologize to you for my hastiness.” “All right,” replied the pupil, in a subdued tone, “I know I didn’t do what I ought to in this scrape. I got mad when you took hold of me, but I’m ready to straighten the thing up now.” “Very well,” responded the teacher, kindly. “Let’s shake hands on this affair and try to do better in the future.” “All right,” said John, smiling, “I guess it will be a lesson to me.” John continued his school work with more interest in the future and a few years later graduated from the high school. 4. Some Things That Complicate Regulation of the School (1) _Tardiness._ Tardiness in the first grade cannot be intentional on the child’s part, nor should it give the teacher any annoyance. It cannot be the pupil’s fault. Whenever a first grade pupil comes tardy the teacher should ask in a kindly manner for the reason. As a rule it will be some excusable cause, one which the parents have imposed. The teacher should then consult the parents. If they will start the children to school soon enough, they will not often be tardy. Not every case of tardiness can be prevented, however; even teachers sometimes find themselves late on account of some unavoidable incident.