The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1896-02-14


John Darryll listened to it with
sinking heart. He knew that his ora
ton must seem crude and weak after
such a mastery effort. The prize was
lost. He felt that, but his disappoint-
ment did not prevent him from con-
graduating his classmate on his tri-
umph, and Robert felt that he meant
every word that he said. His face
colored before Johns honest glance,
and he looked away in confusion that
the other could not account for.
John Darryll had the valedictory. He
delivered il with simple, modest dignity
that won admiration and approval from
all. Then his Grafton began. He forgot
all about the prize in its delivery. His
fine face glowed with the enthusiasm of
his theme. He was no longer the con-
testant for a prize, but n young orator
who felt the fire of lofty thoughts and
an earnest belief in the truth and JUS
tice of the cause for which he pleaded.
When he ended the room rang with
applause again and his friends pelted
him with roses all the way to his seat.
President Jackson rose and came for
ward.
Before the Judges render decision
I have few words to say" he said.
"The first orator, for reasons which are
perfectly understood by the young man
who delivered it and myself here he
looked at Robert with most signifi-
can't expression on his face, and one
that no one in the audience understood
the meaning Offs not to be consid-
cred by the judges in making their de-
Cision."
John Darryll could hardly credit the
evidence of his senses. Not to be con-
sidered? Why? There must be some-
thing wrong somewhere. Whatwas it?
But President Jackson made no ex-
PLANTATION Of the reasons upon which
lis instructions to the judges were
based. All eyes were turned upon
Robert Torrey inquiringly. He was
very pale. He seemed to be making
great effort to control himself Evident
ly he wanted to make some rrply to the
president, but, for reasons best known
10 himself, he thought it advisable to
remain silent.
There was no doubt where the prize
would go if Torrey's Grafton was to be
counted out. John realized that this
meant victory for him. There was a
mystery about it, however, that bewil-
dered him. If the Grafton was his rivals,
why was it not to be considered? Could
it be possible that it was not his?
The decision of the judges was made
and handed up to the president. He
advanced to the front of the stage and
read it to the audience:
"The judges, after carefully consid-
ering the orations of the graduating
class, unanimously decide i'll favor of
True Greatness by John Darryll.'
There was silence for a moment and
then the room rang with cheers which
seemed to make the roof tremble. Then
there were calls for John Daryl, John
Darryll! and the hero of the day was
compelled to take the stage and bow his
thanks to those who were so enthusi-
astic over his victory.
81 congratulate you most heartily"
President Jackson said, coming up to
John and shaking him warmly by the
hand. "Honor wins" he added, with
meaning look at Robert Torrey.
Several days later Robert Torrey met
President Jackson on the street. He
was going by without speaking, but the
president stopped him.
II was sorry, very sorry, sir, to find
out that | had been mistaken in you,"
he said 81 hope the theft of that ora
ton was your first one and that it will
DC your last one. There's a lesson in it
which I hope you will not fail to learn.
Perhaps you did not know that your
uncle, whose graduating essay you
made use of, was a classmate of mine
in college-a roommate also. | heard
it rehearsed so many times before COM
mencement that could never forget it.
I recognized it before you had delivered
half dozen sentences. was terribly
surprised and panied, for would not
have believed you could be guilty of
such a dishonest act. My words may
seem harsh, but l do not believe in
CLOSING over wrongdoing. 1t was dis
honest, and for moment felt like
publicly exposing you, but thought
better of that, and no one, except the
faculty, to whom it was necessary to
explain my action in the matter, and
ourselves, knows the truth. Take my
advice, sir, and let this prove to you
that the man who resorts to dishonesty
is never safe from detection. If your
theft had not been discovered you
would have lost your own self-respect,
for you would have known yourself to
be the recipient of stolen hnnors, and
the man who has lost respect for him
self is man greatly to be pitied. IN.
V Todpor