— 477 — 



but ray old instructor, Professor Williaras, who was residing at this time 

 in the city of Boston. To say I was surprised would be putting it 

 mildly, for he was the furthest person from my thoughts. I was very 

 glad to meet my old tutor again on earth, and was also very glad to 

 have him for one of my audience. After passing a few pleasant re- 

 minders and allusions to the days of ' Auld Lang Syne,' we separated 

 to meet again on the following evening, on a cordial invitation, and in 

 such a way as the reader will see. 



" During the following day, acting upon a suggestion from my wife, 

 we together arranged a little surprise (that was not mentioned on the 

 bills) for our audience, and personally aimed at Professor C. H. C 

 Williams. At the expiration of my intermission on this second even- 

 ing, as I was about to commence the continuation of the evening's 

 entertainment, I called Professor Williams into the ring, presented to 

 him a gold-headed cane, and made the following remarks : 



" ' Ladies and Gentlemen : — Ten years ago I, a Worcester County 

 boy, hearing that Professor C. H. C. Williams, a celebrated hoi-se- 

 trainer and educator, was about opening a class of scholars to receive in- 

 structions as how to train the vicious horse, in our vicinity, I embraced 

 the opportunity of attending his course, and became so infatuated with 

 his system that he made so plain, that I embraced it, and have made 

 it the study of my life. If in the many long years that have passed, 

 by unremitting toil and indomitable will I have made any favorable 

 changes or improvements from the system which he then taught, I can 

 only ask him to be lenient with me. And now, Professor Williams, per- 

 mit me, sir, to present you with this cane, as a token of my regard and 

 esteem, as I shall regard you always my first instructor; and as you 

 lean upon this staff may it be as great a support to your descent of the 

 hill as your early lessons to me have been in ascending.' 



" Professor Williams replied as follows : 



" * Ladies and Gentlemen : — This is a complete surprise to me. I 

 have been present for two evenings, and am much pleased with the 

 great success of a former pupil of mine. I am convinced that Mr. 

 Gleason has well and thoroughly learned what I always tried to impart 

 to my pupils, and must herein acknowledge that he has made a great 

 improvement in the system I then taught, and if I make the proclama- 

 tion before you to-night that he stands before you this evening the 



