I was advancing to show the sword to him, when my eye fell upon the
plate my grandfather had placed upon it, and which bore the
inscription: "To Royal Macklin, on his appointment to the United
States Military Academy, from his Grandfather, John M. Hamilton, Maj.
Gen. U.S.A."

"My name is Macklin, sir," I said, "Royal Macklin." I laid the sword
lengthwise in his hands, and then pointed at the inscription. "You
will find it there," I said. The General bowed and bent his head over
the inscription and then read the one beside it. This stated that the
sword had been presented by the citizens of New York to Major-General
John M. Hamilton in recognition of his distinguished services during
the war with Mexico. The General glanced up at me in astonishment.

"General Hamilton!" he exclaimed. "General John Hamilton! Is that--was
he your grandfather?"

I bowed my head, and the General stared at me as though I had
contradicted him.

"But, let me tell you, sir," he protested, "that he was my friend.
General Hamilton was my friend for many years. Let me tell you, sir,"
he went on, excitedly, "that your grandfather was a brave and
courteous gentleman, a true friend and--and a great soldier, sir, a
great soldier. I knew your grandfather well. I knew him well." He rose
suddenly, and, while still holding the sword close to him, shook my
hand.

"Captain Heinze," he said, "bring out a chair for Mr. Macklin." He did