Unable to endure the insolence of a subordinate toward the great Chieftain, whom he loved with a boy's blind devotion, Hay sprang to his feet:
"Let's go, sir!"
The big hand was quietly raised in a gesture of command and he sank into his seat.
Five minutes more passed and the sound of approaching footsteps were heard quickly, firmly pressed with military precision.
The President nodded:
"You see, my son!"
But instead of the General the handsome figure of his aide, John Vaughan, appeared in the doorway:
"The General begs me to say, Mr. President, that he is too much fatigued to see any one this evening and has retired for the night."
The orderly stepped pompously to the door to usher them out and John Vaughan bowed and returned to his commander.
Hay sprang to his feet livid with rage and spoke to his Chief with boyish indignation.