I presented myself before the head teacher for assignment to a class.
Having been so long without proper food, a bath, and change of
clothing, I did not, of course, make a very favourable impression upon
her, and I could see at once that there were doubts in her mind about
the wisdom of admitting me as a student. I felt that I could hardly
blame her if she got the idea that I was a worthless loafer or tramp.
For some time she did not refuse to admit me, neither did she decide in
my favour, and I continued to linger about her, and to impress her in
all the ways I could with my worthiness. In the meantime I saw her
admitting other students, and that added greatly to my discomfort, for
I felt, deep down in my heart, that I could do as well as they, if I
could only get a chance to show her what was in me.

After some hours had passed, the head teacher said to me, "The
adjoining recitation-room needs sweeping. Take the broom and sweep it."

It occurred to me at once that here was my chance. Never did I receive
an order with more delight. I knew that I could sweep, for Mrs.
Ruffner had thoroughly taught me how to do that when I lived with her.

I swept the recitation-room three times. Then I got a dusting-cloth
and I dusted it four times. All the woodwork around the walls, every
bench, table, and desk, I went over four times with my dusting-cloth.
Besides every piece of furniture had been moved and every closet and
corner in the room had been thoroughly cleaned. I had the feeling that
in a large measure my future depended upon the impression I made upon
the teacher in the cleaning of that room. When I was through, I
reported to the head teacher. She was a "Yankee" woman who knew just
where to look for dirt. She went into the room and inspected the floor
and closets; then she took her handkerchief and rubbed it on the