The Forrest City times., 1896-01-31

the graduating class just before his de- parture that the orations were to he handed to Prof. Fay, the secretary of the faculty, for examination.
 John Darryll put a great deal of honest, conscientious work on his ora. ton. He wrote and rewrote it. He was not content with it as long as he saw chance of improving it.
 "Ihere!" he said, as he finished copying it for the last time. "That is | all can do with it. It may not win the 1 prize, but l shall have the satisfaction of knowing that did my best to make | it a winner
 The next day the orations were l handed in to Prof. Fay. Three or four ] days later they were returned to their owners with such criticism as he saw fit to make and few suggestions about delivery.
 I'm little surprised about young Torrey's oration," Prof. Fay said to an- other member of the faculty. He's a bright, keen fellow, but he hasn't seemed to have ambition enough to do himself justice. But his oration is q fine piece of work. Really, most su- perior thing. It would do credit to a student graduating from college"
 Better than Darryll's?"
 "4es, because it shows more ma- turity of thought and a firmer mental grasp" was the reply. That's what surprised me. 1 didn't give Torrev credit for so much development, men tally, or such knowledge of composition | and command of language
 "Of course, the prize should go to the one who deserves it." said Prof. Strong but l shall be somewhat disappointed if Darryll fails to get it. I have always considered him the brighter. better student of the two. The scholarship would be such help for him.
 I'd like to have him get it. said Prof. Foy. But it can't go by prefer ence, you know. Merit must declde who gets it, and after reading the orations I'm pretty sure what the judges decision will be-
 Commencement day came, brightand beautiful. and it seemed as if all Bran don turned out to hear the contest of intellect and scholarship. The stage was perfect bower of roses and foli- age, and the faces of the graduating class were bright and beaming as tne day was. The audience seemed ex Pectiug great pleasure. and whispers were heard all over the room about the rival candidates for the one great honor of the day. It seemed to be generally conceded that the prize was sure to fall to Darryll or Torrey.
 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 he delivered by the graduating class.
 The judges were soon selected. They took their places, and the graduating exercises began.
 Robert Torrey had the salutatory. He took his place on the stage with an easy, confident air that seemed to say: ''I know my strength" and began his oration.
 When he had done with his words of salutation and plunged into the orati0n proper it was noticed by the audience that President JacksOn's face all at once iook on 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.
 Ropert Torrey's oration was, as Prof. Foy had said, a very fine thing, and it T !. .l..I the house rang with applause and flowers fell upon the stage in fragrant shower.
 John Darryll listened to it with sinking heart. He knew that his era ton must seem crude and weaG after such a masterly effort. The prize was lost. He felt that, bur 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 it with simple, modest dignity that won admiration and approval from all. Then his oration began. He forgot all about the prize in its deli'ery. His fine face gIowed with the enthusiasm of his theme. He was no longer the con testant for a prize, but 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 lang with applause again and his friends pelted him with roses all the way to his seat.
 President Jackson rose and came for