"I am highly pleased to give Master David Porter this medal," said the master of the Hall. "He deserves it in more ways than one. Why, some one else will tell."
And then, to the amazement of all, Gus Plum got up from his seat, walked quietly but firmly to the platform and faced his fellow students, his face red but determined.
"I want to say a few words about Dave Porter," he said, looking around from one face to another. "You all know me and you know how I have acted towards Dave. Well, Dave saved my life, and more than that, he has proved himself my best friend. He stood by me at a time when I guess every other fellow in the world would have turned his back on me. That's why he deserves a medal of honor,—and would deserve it even if he was at the bottom of the class." Plum paused a moment. "I ought not to speak about myself—I guess the doctor didn't think I would. But I want to say before you all that I am going to try to be different from what I used to be. The doctor might have sent me away from this school for what I did, but Dave Porter spoke up for me, and now I am to have another chance here—and I am going to make the best of it. That's all."
Gus Plum bowed and walked back to his seat. There were murmurs all around, and a few hisses, but the majority of the students looked at Plum encouragingly. He kept his eyes down, looking at nobody. Roger reached over and shook hands, and then a number of others did the same.
"What Plum has said about Porter is strictly true," said the doctor, coming forward again. "Therefore I take the greatest of pleasure in presenting the medal of honor to the winner, and with it I wish him the best of luck throughout life!"
A cheer went up, in which Gus Plum joined heartily. Then other prizes were presented, after which school was dismissed for the day.
Plum's speech had a tremendous effect. All wanted to know how Dave had saved his life and the story had to be told over and over again. Little was said about why the former bully had left school that snowy morning, and the boys knew enough not to ask too many questions.
"I really think he'll turn over a new leaf," said Ben. "He seems to have awakened to a realization of how he was drifting."
"I hope with all my heart he does try to do better," said Roger. "I am going to do as Dave is doing—encourage him all I can." And then Ben and a number of others said the same.