But alas for his stenographic knowledge, when President Hayes began to speak! Edward worked hard, but the President was too rapid for him; he did not get the speech, and he noticed that the reporters for the other papers fared no better.
Nothing daunted, however, after the speechmaking, Edward resolutely sought the President, and as the latter turned to him, he told him his plight, explained it was his first important "assignment," and asked if he could possibly be given a copy of the speech so that he could "beat" the other papers.
The President looked at him curiously for a moment, and then said: "Can you wait a few minutes ?" Edward assured him that he could.
After fifteen minutes or so the President came up to where the boy was waiting, and said abruptly: "Tell me, my boy, why did you have the wine-glasses removed from your place ?" Edward was completely taken aback at the question, but he explained his resolution as well as he could.
"Did you make that decision this evening ?" the President asked.
He had.
"What is your name ?" the President next inquired.
He was told.
"And you live, where ?" Edward told him.
"Suppose you write your name and address on this card for me," said the President, reaching for one of the placecards on the table.
The boy did so.
"Now, I am stopping with Mr.A.A.Low, on Columbia Heights.

Is that in the direction of your home ?" It was.
"Suppose you go with me, then, in my carriage," said the President, "and I will give you my speech." Edward was not quite sure now whether he was on his head or his feet.
As he drove along with the President and his host, the President asked the boy about himself, what he was doing, etc.

On arriving at Mr.
Low's house, the President went up-stairs, and in a few moments came down with his speech in full, written in his own hand.

Edward assured him he would copy it, and return the manuscript in the morning.
The President took out his watch.

It was then after midnight.