"Why, Mr. Davis, I voted for you for President last November."
Instantly the Chief Executive rose, blushing his apology. He laid his
hand on the boy's shoulder and spoke with the utmost deference.
"I beg your pardon, sir. I should have been more observant and
thoughtful. I was very much like you when I was a boy. It was a long
time before I had any whiskers myself."
With a friendly smile he touched his thin beard.
He sent the young man away happy with his promise of consideration. That
he should have asked this beardless boy's pardon in so pointed a manner
Socola thought remarkable. That the Chief Executive of nine million
people should blush suddenly over such a trifle was the flash that
revealed a great soul.
The President advanced and gave Jennie both his hands in cordial
greeting.
"I've brought you a recruit, sir," the girl cried with a merry laugh.
"Indeed?"
"I have resigned my commission with the Sardinian Ministry, Mr.
President, and wish to offer my services to the South."
"We need every true friend the world can send us, Signor--I thank you--"
"I wish, sir," Socola hastened to say, "to render the most efficient
service possible. I have no training as a soldier. I have experience as
a diplomat.
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