Yet the best patriot cannot always get a chance to serve.

He needs friends at court, as they say.

Now this colonel of yours, Colonel Winchester--I've observed both him and you, although I approached you as if I'd never heard of either of you before--is a man of character and influence.

Certain words from him at the right time would be of great value, nor would his favorite aide suffer through bringing the matter to his attention." Dick saw clearly now, but he was not impulsive.

Experience was teaching him, while yet a boy, to speak softly.
"The young aide of whom you speak," he said, "would never think of mentioning such a matter to the colonel, of whom you also speak, and even if he should, the colonel wouldn't listen to him for a moment." Watson shrugged his shoulders slightly, but made no other gesture of displeasure.
"Doubtless you are well informed about this aide and this colonel," he said, "but it's a pity.