Courtney nodded. "That is precisely why I am able to see the matter more clearly than you—there is no Dark to make me fearful."
"And my commission and American citizenship?"
Courtney smiled. "You will have in exchange the Patent of an Archduke of Valeria with all its powers and privileges; and, at the very least, the commission of General of Brigade in the Valerian Army. That's a trifle more than you are giving up, don't you think?"
I made no answer.
"And then," he went on, "you can throw it all over and come back to us if you get tired of your new job."
"I may be glad enough to get back to you and my American commission."
"Bother your commission! What does a man of your age and position want in the hard-working American army?" he exclaimed.
"What does a man of your age and wealth want bothering with diplomacy?" I asked.
"Because I enjoy the business, I reckon."
"Just as someone else may enjoy being a Major of Engineers."