your funeral it entitles you to an escort of a thousand
soldiers."

"I'd rather put up with fewer soldiers," said Peter, " and
wear it longer round my neck What's the matter with our
getting the second class or the first class?"

At such ignorance Stimson could not repress a smile.

"The first class," he explained patiently, "is the Great
Grand Cross, and is given only to reigning sovereigns. The
second is called the Grand Cross, and is bestowed only on
crowned princes, prime ministers, and men of world-wide
fame . . . . "

"What's the matter with Doctor Gilman's being of world-wide
fame?" said Peter. "He will be some day, when Stetson starts
boosting."

"Some day," retorted Stimson stiffly, " I may be an
ambassador. When I am I hope to get the Grand Cross of the
Crescent, but not now. I'm sorry you're not satisfied," he
added aggrievedly. "No one can get you anything higher than
the third class, and I may lose my official head asking for
that."

"Nothing is too good for old man Gilman," said Peter, "nor
for you. You get the third class for him, and I'll have
father make you an ambassador."