His father laughed.
"I beg your pardon, Governor, honestly I didn't recognize your voice until you laughed. I'm awfully glad to hear it again. What can I do for you?"
"Well, I must say I like your impudence. What can you do for me? I want to see you right away. Shall I call at your office?"
A pause ensued, followed by audible smiles at both ends of the wire.
"Of course not, sir. It seems a long time since I left home but I've not forgotten the way. I'll come over as soon as I can leave my desk."
Two hours later he entered the library with a boyish laugh and grasped his father's hand.
The Colonel pressed it with deep tenderness.
"You must forgive me, boy. I wasn't fair to you the other day."
Norman tried to laugh, and stammered awkwardly:
"Well, when I hear a man of your age and experience say a thing like that, Governor, I begin to fear I'm not quite as big as I thought I was."