IMMIGRATION STATION, ELLIS ISLAND. The greatest center of racial activity in the world, where a million aliens yearly pass through to American citizenship. (Courtesy of U.S. Immigration Station, Ellis Island.)
"For whom are you calling?" he was asked.
The young lad answered clearly and promptly, and the clerk nodded approvingly as the questions proceeded.
"You say you have an older brother," the clerk said, "and the two of you are able to keep your grandmother?"
"Yes, indeed, sir," was the reply.
"You are young to have come. Why didn't your brother come instead?"
"He has been a waiter in a French hotel," answered the boy, "and has not learned much English He asked me to come."
A few short, sharp queries established the relationship without question and the boy was released from the desk. The door in the grating was opened, and to Hamilton's delight it was the old Frenchwoman who came out. After a most affectionate greeting, they went off together, the boy coming back to thank the clerk profusely, with true French courtesy.
"I suppose all that is necessary," said Hamilton "but I'll admit I don't see why. No one would be likely to call for some one else's grandmother!"