Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1896-03-05
conceded that the prize was sure to fall

W D"ii IL VI lVTFcy.
The exercises began with music.
after which there was prayer. Then
President Jackson rose and said that
before the class exercises began three
judges must be appointed to decide on
the relative merit of the orations to be
delivered BY the graduating class.
The Judges were soon selected. They
took their places, and the graduating
exercises began.
Robert Torrey had the salutntory.
He took his place on the stage with an
easy, confident nir that seemed to say:
Il know my strength" and began his
Grafton.
When he had done with his words of
salutation and plunged into the Grafton
proper it was noticed by the audience
that President Jackson's face all ut
snce took on n puzzled look. He seemed
bewildered. Then the bewilderment
seemed to give way to angry surprise,
and many wondered why he looked at
the speaker in that cold, stern way.
Robert Torrey's grafton was, as Prof.
Foy lad said, very fine thing, and it
was well delivered. When it was ended
the house rang with applause and
flowers fell upon the stage in fragrant
shower.
John Darryll listened to it with n
sinking heart. He knew that his ora
ton must seem crude and weak after
such a mastery effort. The prize was
lost, lie felt that, but his disappolnt-
ment did not prevent him from con-
graduating his classmate on his trl-
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 DarIyll had the valedictory. He
delivered it with simple, modest dignity
that won admiration and approval from
s.ll. Then his Grafton began. He forgot
ali 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 q 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
have few words to say" he said.
"Thc first orator, for reasons which are
perfectly understood by the young man
who delivered it and mysclf'-herc 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-
Why? There must be some
thing wrong somewhere. What twas it?
But President Jackson made no eX-
nlanation of the reasons upon which
lis instructions 80 the judges were
based. All eyes were turned upon
Robert Torrey inquiringly. He was
very pale. He seemed to be making u
great effort to control himself Evident
" he wanted to make some :eply 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 90 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 washisrivars,
why was it not to be considered? Could
il be possible that it was not his?
The decision of the judges was made
and handed up to the president. lie
advanced to the front of the stage and
read it to the audiences:
"The judges, after carefully consid-
ering the orations of the graduating
class, unanimously decide Ia favor o.
True Greatness by John Darryll.'
There was silence for moment and
then the room ra,ig with cheers which
seemed to make the roof tremble. Then
there were calls for John Darryll, John
Darryll! and the hero of the day was
compelled to take the stage and bow his
thanks to those who were 20 enthusi-
astic over his victory.
81 congratulate you mosl heartily
President Jackson said, coming up to
John and shaking him warmly by the
hand. "IIonor WINS" he added, with a
meaning look at Robert Torrcy.
Several days later Robert Torrey met
President Jackson on the street. He
was going by without speaking, but the
president stopped him.
81 was sorry, very sorry, sir, to find
cut 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 il
which hope you will not fai to learn
Perhaps you did not know that your
uncle, whose graduating essay you
made use of, was classmate Of mine
in coll>ge-n roommate also. | heard
it reheursed so many times before com
mcncetnent that could never forget it
recognized it before you had delivered
half dozen sentences. Twas terribly
surprised and panied, for | would not
have believed you could be guilty OF
such dishonest act. My words may
seem harsh, but l do not believe in
CLOSING over wrongdoing. It was dis
honest, and for q moment | felt like
publicly exposing YOU but | thought
better Of that, and no one, except the
faculty, to whom 1t was necessary tc
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. II your
theft Ind not baan diccovarpI Won