Half reverently he placed it on his head.

A vast new pride came to him at that moment.

Never before had he taken on any badge of authority, known any sort of singling out or distinction in all his drab, vague life.

No power ever had sent to him a parchment engraved "placing special confidence in your loyalty and discretion." But even his mind divined that now in some way he did represent the authority and government of his country, that some one had placed confidence in his loyalty and discretion.

If not, why this green cord on his hat?
"When you wear that, Gage," said Doctor Barnes sharply to him, "you button up your shirt and roll down your sleeves, do you understand?
You shave and you wash clean every morning.