"
He then turned and went in, leaving me in a stupafied state
on the door-step.
But I am not one to be angry on hearing the truth, although
painfull. I therfore ran in after him and said:
"William, you are right and I am wrong. Go back to your
Pantrey, and leave the Flag to me. From now on it will be my
duty."
I therfore went upstairs to my father's dressing room,
where he was shaveing for dinner, and opened the window. He was
disagreable and observed:
"Here, shut that! It's as cold as blue blazes."
I turned and looked at him in a severe manner.
"I am sorry, father," I said. "But as between you and my
Country I have no choice."
"What the dickens has the Country got to do with giving me
influensa?" he exclaimed, glaring at me. "Shut that window."
I folded my arms, but remained calm.
"Father," I said, in a low and gentle tone, "need I remind
you that it is at present almost seven P. M. and that the Stars
and Stripes, although supposed to be lowered at sunset, are
still hanging out this window?"
"Oh, that's it, is it?" he said in a releived tone.
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