"And then," he went on, "you can throw it all over and come back to us
if you get tired of your new job."
"I may be glad enough to get back to you and my American commission."
"Bother your commission! What does a man of your age and position want
in the hard-working American army?" he exclaimed.
"What does a man of your age and wealth want bothering with diplomacy?"
I asked.
"Because I enjoy the business, I reckon."
"Just as someone else may enjoy being a Major of Engineers."
"Come," said he; "if that's all that bothers you, I'll engage to put
you back in our Army any time within two years, if you wish it."
"You are very good, Courtney," I said. "I fear, however, the War
Department would not be so gracious."
He snapped his fingers. "That, for the War Department,'" he said
contemptuously.
"Besides, I'm too old to learn a new profession," I objected.
"A new profession?" he questioned.