“But how are you going to help it? If you keep the second lieutenancy, Barriscale will get the first.” “Not if I can prevent it, he won’t.” “How will you prevent it? He’ll be entitled to the promotion.” “I propose to have you stand for election to the first lieutenancy.” “Me!” “Yes, you. It’s a matter of company election, you know; the boys would be glad to put you in, and it would be entirely satisfactory up above; I know what I’m talking about.” “But, Joe, I couldn’t jump two grades. It wouldn’t be fair. Besides, after what happened at the armory, and at the bank, and after all the comment that’s been stirred up about me, it would never do for me to aspire to a commission. It’s my place to crawl into my shell and stay there till my time’s out.” “Nonsense! There are only two men in this town who would hate to see you get a commission.” “You might as well make it three, Joe. I would hate to see myself get it. With my views on social and economic problems and the proper functions of government, I’ve no business in the Guard anyway. I’ve no right to be a sergeant, much less to get a commission. The whole thing is entirely out of the question. So drop it, Joe. I appreciate your friendship and good intentions; but--drop it.” “Drop nothing! No one has ever criticized your conduct as a soldier. It’s beyond criticism. And as for Ben Barriscale, you owe him nothing and you know it. I’ve kept my mouth shut through everything. It was my place to. But now, with no one but you to hear me, I’ve got to have my fling. I think that stunt of Barriscale’s at the armory that night, while doubtless within the rules, was the most contemptible thing I ever heard of. And, if I’m rightly informed, even that was outclassed by his father’s treatment of you at the bank. The whole thing gets my----” Hal interrupted him impatiently. “Joe,” he said, “in a situation like this there’s no room for resentments. But you’re a loyal friend of mine and I’ll be fair with you. I’ll consider your proposition, and I’ll let you know to-morrow what I’ve decided to do.” The next day, at noon, when the two men came together, Sergeant McCormack said: “I’ve thought it all over, and I’ve decided not to stand for the election.” CHAPTER IX