Seeing the President about to translate the words of Tsu-nan-li, Cobb quickly interrupted him, and, smiling at his ability to meet at least one of the requirements of this new age, said:
“O Söl President, ed ols, Sölal obik! No stunolsös lilön obi gepükön in pük egebols. Lesevob, äs jen lefulnik, ut kel päbüsagos äyelos lemödik, das tim äkömomöv ven valik nets kulik äcälomsöv volapüki. Klödöl das et del no äbinom fago, ästudob at pük, ed adelo logob bizugi osa.”[3]
[3] “Mr. President, and you, my Lord: Do not be astonished to hear me reply in the language you have employed. I recognize as an accomplished fact that which was prognosticated a great many years ago: that the time would come when all civilized nations would employ a universal language. Believing that that day was not far off, I studied this language, and to-day see the advantage of it.”
An expression of astonishment overspread the faces of the other two gentlemen, and the President exclaimed, gleefully:
“Good enough, Cobb! There’s one thing of the past equal to the present.”
The others claiming attention, no more was said, and the throng of visitors met, were introduced to and passed the President and Junius Cobb.
A little later a party of officers were talking to Cobb near the grand stairway. Speculation was rife as to what his position in the army would be, knowing that he had been dropped for desertion years ago. The discussion was animated, though Cobb himself took no active part in it.
“Ah! Cobb, my boy,” and a tall young man, in the full regimentals of a captain in the Second Cavalry—Cobb’s old regiment—came forward and familiarly slapped him on the shoulder:
“I have been looking for you. Hugh informs me that you will undoubtedly be restored to your rank in the army; in fact, he says that they can’t help giving you your commission again.”
“Ah!” from Cobb, as he looked the other in the face.