the West be but for bragging?"

"And what do you intend to do if I take your girl to Europe?"

"Europe is not very far," said Harry.

Armorer was a quick thinker, but he had never thought more
quickly in his life. This young fellow had beaten him.
There was no doubt of it. He might have principles,
but he declined to let his principles hamper him.
There was something about Harry's waving aside defeat so lightly,
and so swiftly snatching at every chance to forward his will,
that accorded with Armorer's own temperament.

"Tell me, Mr. Armorer," said Harry, suddenly; "in my place wouldn't
you have done the same thing?"

Armorer no longer checked his sense of humor. "No, Mr. Lossing,"
he answered, sedately, "I should have respected the old gentleman's
wishes and voted any way he pleased." He held out his hand.
"I guess Esther thinks you are the coming young man of the century;
and to be honest, I like you a great deal better than I
expected to this morning. I'm not cut out for a cruel father,
Mr. Lossing; for one thing, I haven't the time for it;
for another thing, I can't bear to have my little girl cry.
I guess I shall have to go to Europe without Esther.
Shall we go in to the ladies now?"

Harry wrung the president's hand, crying that he should never
regret his kindness.