Who can tell ?" "Whatever do you mean, mother ?" "What I say, and it is even so; for have I not the promise of the Governor himself?
But your father will tell you better, for he knows what has been done." So Ridge went to his father, who confirmed what he had just heard, saying: "Yes, son; your mother has exerted her influence in your behalf, and procured for you the promise of a second-lieutenant's commission, provided I am willing to pay for the honor." "How, father ?" "By using my influence to send Herman Dodley to the Legislature as soon as he comes back from the war." "Is Dodley going into the army ?" "Yes.

He is to be a major." "And would you help to send such a man to the Legislature ?" "If you wanted to be a lieutenant badly enough to have me do so, I would." "Father, you know I wouldn't have you do such a thing even to make me President of the United States!" "Yes, son, I know it." And the two, gazing into each other's eyes, understood each other perfectly.
"I would rather go as a private, father." "I would rather have you, son; though it would be a great disappointment to your mother." "She need not know, for I will go to some distant camp before enlisting.

I wouldn't serve in the same regiment with Herman Dodley, anyhow." "Of course not, son." "I suppose his appointment is political--as well as the one intended for me ?" "Yes; and so it is with every other officer in the regiment." "That settles it.

I would sooner join the Cubans than fight under the leadership of mere politicians.

So, when I do enlist, it will be in some regiment where the word politics is unknown, even if I have to go into the regular army." "Son, I am prouder of you than I ever was before.