on the village street, and instead of taking off his hat and making
a low bow, as he should do to a man of my position, he nodded
carelessly, and said. 'How are you, major?' Really, I don't know
what the country is coming to, when the rising generation is so
deficient in veneration."

"The fact is, father, Ben thinks himself as good as anybody. You'd
think, by the way he speaks to me, that he considered himself my
equal."

"That is one of the evils incident to a republican form of
government," said the major pompously. "For my part, I prefer the
English social system, where the gentry are treated with proper
deference."

"Well, father, may I engage Ben as my servant?"

"I am afraid you would not find him properly subordinate."

"Just leave that to me," said Sam confidently. "If I can't teach him
his place, then nobody can. I should enjoy having him to order
about."

Sam generally carried his point with his father, and the present
instance was no exception.

"I don't know that I have any particular objection," said the major.

"How much wages may I offer, father?"