"Mr. President, I'll reinforce Fort Sumter."
"You, Commodore! We are just discussing the question."
"There's no need of discussing it; it must be done! Give me the men and ships—there won't be many required—and I'll do it."
The President saw that his caller was in earnest, and he respected him too highly to indulge in anything like jesting.
"I am inclined to think as you do, Commodore, but—"
"But what?" impatiently interrupted the veteran.
"You have already done so much for your country that it seems only fair that we should give the younger men a chance."
"Younger men! What's the matter with me? I'm not old enough yet to need a cane."
"I observe that; you are wonderfully spry for one of your years. Let me see, what is your age?"
"Not quite eighty-four."