"Under normal conditions, sir, my grandson would have preference in a matter of this kind, and I am obliged to you for unselfishly making the suggestion. But, as he has failed to perform a certain duty toward me, I shall consider myself relieved, for the time being, of my duty of preference toward him. Kindly accompany me to the station-master's office." With Aleck in his wake he strode down the platform and across the waiting-room, among the people who had gathered to wait for or depart by the train, and spoke to the ticket-agent at the window. "Will you kindly permit me, sir, to use your table and pen and ink to sign a document of some importance?" "Certainly!" The man at the window opened the door of the agent's room and bade the colonel and Aleck to enter. He pushed a chair up to the table and placed ink and pens within reach. "Help yourself, Colonel Butler," he said. "We're glad to accommodate you." But the colonel had barely seated himself before a new thought entered his mind. He pondered for a moment, and then swung around in the swivel-chair and faced the boy who stood waiting, cap in hand. "Young man," he said, "it just occurs to me that I can serve your school as well, and please myself better, by making a donation of the flag instead of subscribing to the fund. Does the idea meet with your approval?" The proposition came so unexpectedly, and the question so suddenly, that Aleck hardly knew how to respond. "Why, yes, sir," he said hesitatingly, "I suppose so. You mean you'll give us the flag?" "Yes; I'll give you the flag. I am about starting for New York. I will purchase one while there. And in the spring I will provide a proper staff for it, in order that it may be flung to the breeze." By this time Aleck comprehended the colonel's plan. "Why," he exclaimed enthusiastically, "that'll be great! May I tell Miss Grey?" "You may be the sole bearer of my written offer to your respected teacher." He swung around to the table and picked up a pen. "Your teacher's given name is--?" he inquired. "Why," stammered Aleck, "it's--it's--why, her name's Miss Helen Grey." The colonel began to write rapidly on the blank page of the subscription paper. "_To Miss Helen Grey;_ "_Principal of the Public School_ "_Chestnut Hill._ "My Dear Madam: "I am informed by one of your pupils, Master--" He stopped long enough to ask the boy for his full name, and then continued to write--