Scarcely knowing what he was doing, Alfred went up to the platform, and amid the loud cheers of his fellow-choristers and the applause of others, the dean’s daughter presented him with a medal.
When the dean afterwards made reference to the timely assistance of Mr. Cottenham, the applause was scarcely less than that which Alfred had received. After the presentation was over, all the choir-boys were invited by Mr. Cottenham to tea in his garden. And it was a tea! One of the boys asked him if he had been to India to fetch the delicacies. There is one little incident more to be recorded. While all the boys were seated at the table, King and Cox got out of their seats and came to Alfred.
“Davidson,” said King, in a voice choked with emotion, “Harry Cox and I want to give you this. I can’t make a speech like the dean, but I hope you won’t refuse it.”
It was a silver watch, engraved on the inside with Alfred’s name, the date, and these words, “For a gallant rescue at the risk of his own life”.
It may be doubted whether their united means would have secured so expensive a present if Mr. Cottenham had not heard of their intention. The choir-boys subscribed for the chain, and the organist, Dr. Phillips, gave Alfred a very handsome book.
This gallant rescue is still treasured among the annals of the choir-school of St. Bede’s.
“English boys owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Henty.”—Athenæum.
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