Some time later he did, and while looking through the matter which was the occasion of his visit, the librarian approached him, and said: "You will perhaps be interested in hearing that it is the desire of the board, to take some steps toward a library for the colored people of the city." "Indeed!" he replied. "I am sure I am interested. Nothing, I assure you, is much more needed." "Yes," the other went on earnestly. "It has been the desire of the board to do so for some time; but, owing to the fact, I regret to say, that--well, those in your race whom we have waited for, and looked to, to take some initiative with regard to the matter, have not appeared to care much--well, not any, as yet." He paused a moment, while Wyeth waited. "I presume," said he presently, "that you are one of the professors." "No, I am not. I am not connected with any school, in fact, I am not connected with anything here, other than a book, of which I am the author, and which is being circulated by myself here in the city. But I am deeply interested in anything pertaining to what you mention." "Oh, I see," said the other, and disappointment was evident in his tone. "I had hoped, from the interest you show in literature, that you are connected with one of the schools. But I will state what we have planned on, and what would be necessary on the part of your people, in order to stimulate such a movement. "This city is, of course, unable to make such an investment; but it, the board, is willing to cooperate with the leaders of your people, the teachers and preachers, in bringing this to the attention of northern philanthropists, and, with a little effort concentrated on the issue, it is reasonable to suppose that, in view of libraries given to the different colored schools in the south, the securing of one here is quite possible." "That is the way I have been compelled to see it, through knowledge gained in observation," Wyeth agreed. "Oh, it can be obtained, it should be obtained." He paused again hesitantly, then went on, somewhat determinedly: "This city has a dreadful record for crime; and, while I regret to make the mention, yet, I think you will agree with me--" "That the great amount of the crime is among the black population," Wyeth assisted, unembarrassed.