"Hurry, sir?" returned the squire, "I am in a hurry for my rights. I mean that my son shall have the cadetship he has earned."
"Where is your son?" inquired the other, after a moment's thought.
"He is up at the hotel," answered the squire. "Why?"
"I should like to see him for just a moment. I have one question to ask him, if you please. I'll send an orderly for him."
The old man bowed stiffly; he sat up very straight in his chair and waited with dignity until his young hopeful appeared, wondering meanwhile what more the obdurate officer could want.
Master Benjamin entered the room obviously pale and flushed. He did not feel very well as the result of his last night's "manliness," and he had dim visions of robbers and stolen papers besides. He bowed to his father and the grave superintendent.
"Take a seat," said the latter. "I shall not keep you long. Take this pen and paper. I am anxious to see your handwriting. Please write these words as I dictate them."
Benny, puzzled and alarmed, prepared to obey; he saw that the army officer was watching him narrowly, which did not increase his ease of manner.
"Write," said Colonel Harvey, "I—promise—to—pay-to—Nick—— What's the matter?"
Benny had begun to write promptly. At the sixth word he had turned pale as death, and his hand was trembling.