could not disobey that command. She went tremblingly up the stairs
and returned in a minute or two to say:

"Pen had not yet gone to bed, father. He will be down as soon as he
puts on his coat and shoes."

"Very well."

Colonel Butler seated himself in his accustomed chair and awaited the
advent of his grandson.

When Pen entered the library a few minutes later, his Aunt Millicent
was still in the room.

"Millicent," said the colonel, "will you be good enough to retire for
a time? I wish to speak to Penfield alone."

She rose and started toward the hall, but turned back again.

"Father," she said, "if Pen is to be reprimanded for anything he has
done, I wish to know about it."

"This is a matter," replied the colonel, severely, "that can be
adjusted only between Penfield and me."

She saw that he was determined, and left the room.

When the rustle attendant upon her ascent of the staircase had died
completely out, the colonel turned toward Pen. He spoke quietly
enough, but with an emotion that was plainly suppressed.

"Penfield, you may stand where you are and answer certain questions
that I shall ask you."

"Yes, grandfather."

"While in attendance this evening, upon a meeting of gentlemen
gathered for a patriotic purpose, I was told that you, Penfield
Butler, had, on Saturday last, on the school-house grounds, trodden
deliberately on the American flag lying in the slush of the street. Is
the story true, sir?"

"Well, grandfather, it was this way. I was--"

"I desire, sir, a categorical reply. Did you, or did you not, stand
upon the American flag?"

"Yes, sir; I believe I did."

"I am also credibly informed that you spoke disdainfully of this
particular American flag as a mere piece of bunting? Did you use
those words?"

"I don't know what I said, grandfather."

"Is it possible that you could have spoken thus disrespectfully of
your country's flag?"

"It is possible; yes, sir."

"I am further informed that, on the same occasion, in language of
which I have no credible report, you expressed your contempt for your
country herself. Is my information correct?"

"I may have done so."

Pen felt himself growing weak and unsteady under this fire of
questions, and he moved forward a little and grasped the back of a
chair for support. The colonel, paying no heed to the boy's pitiable
condition, went on with his examination.

"Now, then, sir," he said, "if you have any explanation to offer you