e what could be done, and, in a very short time, he came from
the North and brought the machine. When he informed me that he had
brought it, it did seem that I could not stay on the grounds. I felt
then that I had all that was necessary to make me a stenographer, and
very soon declared myself a member of the stenographic world.

I advanced very well in these new studies and was given some work to do
in the offices. The regular school stenographers helped me all they
could.

The saddest experience I ever had in connection with the Tuskegee
Institute was at the end of my second summer. I was very anxious to
remain in the employ of the school, as my people were very poor and I
did not care to be home on them unless I could become a full field hand,
and I felt that the school had much work that I could do. I appealed to
the Director more than once to let me remain, but he replied each time
that the work department was closed; that he could not take any more,
and furthermore, that it was best that I return home. Mr. Bedford
encouraged me all he could and told me that I might find something to
do; that I should launch out for myself. I went to Opelika, and Mr.
Bedford was on the same train. He and I were in Opelika together for
about a half day. He was on his way to Beloit, Wis., his home, and I was
on my way home to Oakbowery. About thirty minutes before it was time for
my train to leave, I noticed a man who was very busy superintending the
hauling of some lumber. This man asked my name, what I could do, and
where I was from. For a moment I hesitated to tell him, but finally did.
I found that he was the principal of the colored city school at Opelika,
Professor J. R. Savage. Mr. Savage proved to be a true friend. He gave
me work at once in the Summer Normal School he was conducting. I went to
my home that evening, rejoicing that I had found work. When I returned
to Opelika Mr. Savage asked me to take charge of the business department
of the Summer Normal and teach shorthand and typewriting. I worked with
him in this way for three summers, my vacation periods, with much
success. We worked well together and in perfect harmony.

At the opening of each school year at Tuskegee I would be among the
first to get there to begin my studies. I found that, in order to remain
at Tuskegee, students had to have a real purpose. I had one, and I think
so impressed the Faculty before leaving there.

I did not have all smooth sailing, and,