"Is that novelty or enthusiasm?"
"Enthusiasm, I think," Major Dare answered, smiling.
In a moment the door opened again, and the Deputy Commissioner came in.
"Dr. Crafts," the Commissioner said, after introductions had been made, "here's an enthusiastic youngster who wants the Commissionership! Not right away, perhaps," he added as the newcomer smiled at the boy, "but perhaps in a couple of decades or so. And he thinks he ought to start this minute. Have we anything for him to do?"
"I don't know of anything especially," said the Deputy Commissioner thoughtfully; "it's so late in the season."
"Let him have something to work off his animal spirits," the Commissioner said; "it's a pity to let so much energy go to waste."
"Very well," the other said genially; "we'll see what we can do. Will you join us, Major Dare?"
"I think not," the boy's father answered; "I will leave him entirely in your hands, and he can tell me all about it afterwards. I want just a word or two more, Commissioner," he added, "and then I must be going."