"Ah, that's a grand and noble calling. I once thought I would be one of the defenders of my country, but I was called into other lines of activity," said the father of the young proprietor of the scrap iron business. He did not specify what the other lines were. "It is indeed noble to fight for one's flag," went on the shiftless man, "but it is also noble to accumulate wealth with which to fit out armies. That is what I am doing. I am accumulating wealth." "How is it going?" asked Mr. Hamilton, who, as well as did Dick, knew that Henry, the son, made all the money, which "Hank" spent as fast as he could get any of it. "Well, it might be better," said the shiftless one. "But I have a scheme on hand." "Another scheme, eh?" "Yes, this is a very good one. There are enormous possibilities in it, sir, _enormous_!" and "Hank" fairly stood on his tiptoes to get this last word out with much emphasis. "Well, I hope you succeed," said Mr. Hamilton, as he and his son went to the millionaire's private office. The final details for the trips of father and son were arranged. Dick had his own bank account, and would not want for money. His father gave him some advice, and then the two said good-bye to each other, Dick having to leave before his father did, as the latter was to take an express to New York, where he would get a steamer for Europe. Grit, the dog, was to be left in charge of Henry Darby. "Well, my boy," said Mr. Hamilton, as he shook hands with Dick, "remember what you are going for. You're under a big handicap, but I guess you will win. You did the other time, though it was a close shave." "Good-bye," said Dick, unable to keep back the suspicion of a tear. "Good-bye," replied Mr. Hamilton, turning hastily to his desk, and fumbling among some papers, which seemed to rattle unnecessarily loud. On the way to the depot Dick met Captain Handlee. The veteran greeted the lad cordially. "So you're off to learn to be a soldier?" he asked. "Well, I don't know that the military part of it amounts to much," admitted Dick, who had no false ideas about where he was going, "but dad thinks the discipline will be good for me, I guess." "That's right. Nothing like discipline of the right sort for lads. We didn't have to learn to be soldiers in my time." "No, I s'pose you just went right in and fought," said Dick. "Indeed we did. That's what my boy did. Poor Bill! I wish I could see him, or even hear of him again. You'll not forget your promise; will you?" "No, Captain Handlee." "Remember he was the best shot in his company. He could drive a tack in a board at a hundred yards. You make some inquiries, and I think you'll get on the track of him." "I will," promised Dick, but he had no idea in what a strange way fate was to bring about the old captain's desires through him. Dick found a crowd of his chums awaiting for him at the railroad station. "Here he comes!" cried Frank Bender, as he caught sight of Dick.