Free Once an Eagle by Anton Myrer Page A

tough course of sprouts at the Point,” Bullen was saying. “You know about that?”
    â€œI know it is, sir. But when I put my mind to something I usually finish it.”
    â€œWhat makes you think you can pass the entrance examinations?”
    â€œI graduated from Walt Whitman High with the highest grades in six years. And I’ve been studying on my own since then.”
    Matt Bullen stopped pacing and looked at him again, his hands in his pockets. The red-nosed man said, “Oh, give him a shot at it, Matt. He’s convinced me, even if you’re too damned stubborn.”
    â€œYou keep out of this, Harry,” Bullen retorted genially. He was studying the applicant shrewdly. “Maybe you can, son. Maybe you can at that. Now, who can you give me for personal recommendations? Character testimonials, that kind of thing.”
    â€œWell, there’s Mr. Thornton, Mr. Herbert Thornton, who’s manager of the Grand Western Hotel. He’s my boss, I’m night clerk there. And Walter Harrodsen—he runs the Platte and Midland Bank in town …”
    â€œWalt Harrodsen, yes. I mean someone who pulls weight. Someone with influence.”
    Sam stopped. He couldn’t think of anyone. Then the inner monitor, the swift and irresistible voice, spoke and he looked up again and said: “To tell you the truth, I thought maybe you would, Mr. Bullen.”
    Matt Bullen gaped at him. “I would?…”
    â€œThat’s right, sir.”
    â€œâ€”But I don’t know you from Adam’s off ox, boy …”
    â€œWell, I’m standing right here in front of you,” Sam said simply.
    â€œâ€¦You mean you want me to—to give a character reference …” For another moment the Congressman stared at Damon, his deep blue eyes round with amazement; then all at once threw back his big craggy head and roared with laughter, in which the other two men joined. “Well, if that don’t beat everything I ever heard in all my life. Everything!” He kept wagging his head, laughing, tears hanging in his eyes. “You want me to give you a character reference so that I can recommend you on the basis of that reference for an appointment to West Point … you want me to—” And he and the others dissolved again in mirth.
    Sam felt bewildered and vaguely pleased. You never knew what would do it in this world. He saw the humor of his request, but persisted nevertheless, “Well, I only figured you’ve had a chance here to gauge me as a man—”
    â€œYes, I have,” Matt Bullen cried, still laughing. “Indeed I have. I give up, son. I give up in a walk.” He came around the desk, wiping his eyes, and clapped Sam on the shoulder. “All right, boy,” he said, “you’ve got it. On the strength of that irrefutable logic alone you’ve got it.” He walked toward the door. “Now I have to tell you that a principal has already been named for this year. But I’ll put you down as alternate appointee and you can take the exams. The principal may fail his exams or withdraw for some reason. That’s the best I can do for you.”
    â€œThanks, Mr. Bullen. That’s all I ask.”
    â€œYou’re all right, son. You’re just what the doctor ordered.” He swung open the door, and the thin-faced girl, now back at her desk, saw Sam and rose to her feet in an angry fluster.
    â€œMr. Bullen, I’m sorry, I had to go down the hall and I thought he’d left—”
    â€œThat’s all right, Arlene. I wouldn’t have missed this unscheduled interview for worlds. Not for worlds. You just take down this young feller’s name and other pertinent data for the military examinations, will you?”
    â€œCertainly, Mr. Bullen.”
    â€œThat’s a good girl.” Turning again to Damon he shook his hand and clapped him on the shoulder again, smiling. “You’re