Vail laughed at the suggestion.
"Nonsense," he said, "I'm too old.

I'm sixty-two years of age." The directors persisted.

They spoke of the approaching storm-cloud of panic and the need of another strong hand at the wheel until the crisis was over, but Vail still refused.

They spoke of old times and old memories, but he shook his head.

"All my life," he said, "I have wanted to be a farmer." Then they drew a picture of the telephone situation.