On the last page of the newspaper was an item headlined "Recent News from America." Below was a sub-heading "Horrible Massacre of Soldiers by Indians—Brave Stand of American Troopers." He caught the name "Custer" and read:
"And by his brave death at the hands of the Indians, this gallant American general has made the name of Custer one which will forever be associated with courage of the highest type."
He read it all through again and sat quietly as the hand of Polyphemus closed over him. He even smiled a little—a weary, ironic smile.
"Monsieur desires something more, perhaps"—the waiter held out the bill.
Philip smiled. "No—Monsieur has finished—there is nothing more."
Then he repeated slowly, "There is nothing more."
Philip watched his son George blow out the twelve candles on his birthday cake.
"Mother," said George, "when I get to be eighteen, can I be a soldier just like grandfather up there?" He pointed to the portrait of Philip's father in uniform which hung in the dining room.
"Of course you can, dear," said his mother. "But you must be a brave boy".