Thus again a patriot was mistaken for a chicken thief; and in the South to-day a race that dreams of freedom, equality, and empire, far more than is imagined, is put down as a race of chicken thieves.

As in Belton's case, this conception diverts attention from places where startling things would otherwise be discovered.
In due time Belton crept back to the dormitory, and by a signal agreed upon, roused his room-mate, who let down the rope, by means of which he ascended; and when seated gave his room-mate an account of his adventure.
Sometime later on, Belton in company with another student was sent over to a sister University in Nashville to carry a note for the president.

This University also had a colored teacher who was one point in advance of Belton's.

This teacher ate at the same table with the white teachers, while Belton's teacher ate with the students.
Belton passed by the dining room of the teachers of this sister University and saw the colored teacher enjoying a meal with the white teachers.

He could not enjoy the sight as much as he would have liked, from thinking about the treatment his teacher was receiving.