and I shall ride into Washington on a white
horse. Do you want an office?"

"I don't know but I should like one," said Harry, amused.

"I'll see what I can do for you," said the old man, seriously. "I can't
put you in my Cabinet. That's all arranged. If you would like to be
Minister to England or to France, you can go."

"I should like to go to France. Benjamin Franklin was Minister to
France."

"Do you know him?"

"No; but I have read his life."

"I'll put your name down in my book. What is it?"

"Harry Walton."

The old man went to the table, on which was a common account book. He
took a pen, and, with a serious look, made this entry:

"I promise to make Harry Walton Minister to France, as soon as I take my
place in the White House.

"GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON"

"It's all right now," he said.

"Thank you, general. You are very kind," said our hero.

"Were you ever a soldier?" asked his host.

"I never was."

"I thought you might have been in the battle of New Orleans. Our men
fought splendidly, sir."

"I have no doubt of it."

"You'll read all about it in history. We fought behind cotton bales. It
was glorious!"

"General," said Harry, "if you'll excuse me, I'll take out my supper
from this bundle."

"No, no," said the old man; "you must take supper with me."

"I wonder whether he has anything fit to eat," thought Harry. "Thank
you," he said aloud. "If you wish it."

The old man had arisen, and, taking a teakettle, suspended it over the
fire. A monomaniac though he was on the subject of his identity with
General Jackson, he knew how to make tea. Presently he took from the
cupboard a baker's roll and some cold meat, and when the tea was ready,
invited Harry to be seated at the table. Our hero did so willingly. He
had lost his apprehensions, perceiving that his companion's lunacy was
of a very harmless character.

"What if mother could see me now!" he thought.

Still the rain poured down. It showed no signs of slackening. He saw
that it would be necessary to remain where he was through the night.

"General, can you accommodate me till morning?" he asked.

"Certainly," said the old man. "I shall be glad to have you stay here.
Do you go to France to-morrow?"

"I have not received my appointment yet."

"True, true; but it won't be long. I will write your instructions
to-night."

"Very well."

The supper was plain enough, but it was relished by our young traveler,
whose long walk had s