With the feeling that he was opening his coffin, David unstrapped the telescope and lifted the cover. A little exclamation of pleasure escaped him. The telescope held big red apples, and it held nothing more. David quickly bit into one. "I know from just which particular tree these come," he said, "from that humped, old one in the corner of the orchard nearest the house." "Yes," allowed Barnabas, "that's jest the one--the one under which you and her allers set and purtended you were studyin' your lessons." David's eyes grew luminous in reminiscence. "I haven't forgotten the tree--or her--or the old days, Uncle Barnabas." "I knowed you hadn't, Dave!" Again David's heart sank at the confidence in the tone which betokened the faith reposed, but he would give the old man a good time anyway before he took his destiny by the throat. "Wouldn't you like to go through the capitol?" he asked. "I be goin'. The feller that brung me up here sed he'd show me through." "I'll show you through," said David decisively, and together they went through the places of interest in the building, the governor as proud as a newly domiciled man showing off his possessions. At last they came to the room where in glass cases reposed the old, unfurled battle flags. The old man stopped before one case and looked long and reverently within. "Which was your regiment, Uncle Barnabas?" "Forty-seventh Infantry. I kerried that air flag at the Battle of the Wilderness." David called to a guard and obtained a key to the case. Opening it, he bade the old man take out the flag. With trembling hands Barnabas took out the flag he had followed when his country went to war. He gazed at it in silence, and then restored it carefully to its place. As they walked away, he brushed his coat sleeve hastily across his dimmed eyes. David consulted his watch. "It's luncheon time, Uncle Barnabas. We'll go over to my hotel. The executive mansion is undergoing repairs." "I want more'n a lunch, Dave! I ain't et nuthin' sence four o'clock this mornin'." "I'll see that you get enough to eat," laughed David. In the lobby of the hotel a reporter came quickly up to them. "How are you, governor?" he asked, with his eyes fastened falcon-like on Barnabas. David returned the salutation and presented his companion. "Mr. Brumble from Lafferton?" asked the reporter, with an insinuating emphasis on the name of the town. "Yes," replied the old man in surprise. "I don't seem to reckleck seein' you before." "I never met you, but I have heard of you. May I ask what your business in the city is, Mr. Brumble?" The old man gave him a keen glance from beneath his shaggy brows. "Wal, I don't know as thar's any law agin your askin'! I came to see the guvner." David, with a laugh of pure delight at the discomfiture of the reporter, led the way to the dining room. "You're as foxy as ever, Uncle Barnabas. You routed that newspaper man in good shape."