Handing it to his son, he dropped into an arm-chair and observed him with close attention.
"What's this, father ?" asked the young officer.
"I have had it about three weeks, but waited for your entire recovery before I gave it to you," replied the captain.

"Open it." Christy did so, read it, and then in his excitement, dropped it on the floor.

It was his commission as a lieutenant-commander..