During the fall and winter seasons I scarcely had a real friend, though by that time several of my classmates were courteous to me at a safe distance.

My mother had not yet forgiven my rudeness to her, and I had no moment for letter-writing.  By daylight and lamplight, I spun with reeds and thistles, until my hands were tired from their weaving, the magic design which promised me the white man’s respect.

At length, in the spring term, I entered an oratorical contest among the various classes.  As the day of competition approached, it did not seem possible that the event was so near at hand, but it came.  In the chapel the classes assembled together, with their invited guests.  The high platform was carpeted, and gaily festooned with college colors.  A bright white light illumined the room, and outlined clearly the great polished beams that arched the domed ceiling.  The assembled crowds filled the air with pulsating murmurs.  When the hour for speaking arrived all were hushed.  But on the wall the old clock which pointed out the trying moment ticked calmly on.

One after another I saw and heard the orators.  Still, I could not realize that they longed for the favorable decision of the judges as much as I did.  Each contestant received a loud burst of applause, and some were cheered heartily.  Too soon my turn came, and I paused a moment behind the curtains for a deep breath.  After my concluding words, I heard the same applause that the others had called out.

Upon my retreating steps, I was astounded to receive from my fellow-students a large bouquet of roses tied with flowing ribbons.  With the lovely flowers I fled from the stage.  This friendly token was a rebuke to me for the hard feelings I had borne them.

Later, the decision of the judges awarded me the first place.  Then there was a mad uproar in the hall, where my classmates sang and shouted my name at the top of their lungs; and the disappointed students howled and brayed in fearfully dissonant tin trumpets.  In this excitement, happy students rushed forward to offer their congratulations.  And I could not conceal a smile when they wished to escort me in a procession to the students’ parlor, where all were going to calm themselves.  Thanking them for the kind spirit which prompted them to make such a proposition, I walked alone with the night to my own little room.

A few weeks afterward, I appeared as the college representative in another contest.  This time the competition was among orators from different colleges in our State.  It was held at the State capital, in one of the largest opera houses.

Here again was a strong prejudice against my people.  In the evening, as the great audience filled the house, the student bodies began warring among themselves.  Fortunately, I was spared witnessing any of the noisy wrangling before the contest began.  The slurs against the Indian that stained the lips of our opponents were already burning like a dry fever within my breast.