procured for you the promise of a second-lieutenant's commission,
provided I am willing to pay for the honor."

"How, father?"

"By using my influence to send Herman Dodley to the Legislature as soon
as he comes back from the war."

"Is Dodley going into the army?"

"Yes. He is to be a major."

"And would you help to send such a man to the Legislature?"

"If you wanted to be a lieutenant badly enough to have me do so, I
would."

"Father, you know I wouldn't have you do such a thing even to make me
President of the United States!"

"Yes, son, I know it."

And the two, gazing into each other's eyes, understood each other
perfectly.

"I would rather go as a private, father."

"I would rather have you, son; though it would be a great
disappointment to your mother."