"Why?" he finally managed, "How? Maybe OUR medical people can help."
"They have already tried," the major answered. "All that can be done has been done. A little scratch, a stupid little damned scratch on my neck! It got into my bloodstream, into my brain, one of those bacterias nothing seems to stop. They've slowed it down, but the result is inevitable. All the wounds I survived during the fighting, to be killed by a little scratch! I SHOULD be functional for a few more months, then I will quickly get irrational, lose control of my body functions, and die.
I have come to ask for a favor, something to make an old man happy, in his last hours."
"If it's within my power," Samuel answered, "certainly! Name it!"
"Marry Crysanthamum," the major requested. "Let me see the last of my flowers happy. I know, you think she is too young, but her love for you is real and will not fade away. Also, after I'm gone I would like you to see that my present wives are treated according to the agreements I have made with others, who will take charge of them after I die. None of their children are really mine. I haven't been able to do that for years. Their real fathers will come in to take charge of them. I just want to be sure everyone is honest.
Then, you must help me select my successor. I do not trust my judgemt, I want to be sure the right man is chosen. I have four captains in mind. They are all fine men, old friends. I am finding it extremely difficult to choose. Your advice would be appreciated."
Samuel sighed deeply. I will admit," he finally managed, "my affection for your daughter has become considerable. My wife is already conspiring with her. I was hoping to put it off for a while, but I suppose, under the circumstances, I can swallow my pride and not worry what other people think and go ahead. Has she been told?"
The major shook his head. "I think she should be, immediately!" Samuel insisted. "They should be home from school by now."
The major straightened. "I do not think," he remarked, "I have ever personally thanked you for all you have done for the school. The teachers you have brought in, the books you have acquired. You spend so many hours doing things for our people that are not really your responsibility. I do not think we can thank you enough!"
Samuel shook his head. "I'm here to keep the peace," he answered. "The more I can help to stabilize the situation, the more easier my job becomes. An educated, thriving community is more apt to forget their differences and strive for the good of all. Ignorance breeds disorder."
The major nodded, rose. Samuel quickly followed. It was a somber walk to the house. When everybody was called into the livingroom they could tell something was wrong. The major had his daughter stand before him and explained the situation very calmly and very quietly. His daughter listened, empty eyed. When he was done she sunk to her knees, put her head in his lap, and began to weep. After a moment she straightened.
"I think I should go home for a little while," she commented. "We will have the ceremony at the end of the month. There's almost a whole month. I want to be with my father for that time."
"Of course!" Samuel agreed.
Crysanthamum went over to Suzie, her eyes downcast. Suzie smiled broadly. "It's all right," she comforted, taking Crysanthamum in her arms. "I'll wait! But don't take too long, o.k.?"
Crysanthamum smiled, and quickly returned to her father, who had risen from his chair. They planned to keep the marriage simple, but as soon as the word got out any hope of that disappeared. The city planned to make it a spectacular affair, a holiday. The president would come, most of the ruling council. It was the president who made the suggestion on the phone.
"You know," he complained, "it doesn't make much sense to go through this again in a year or so. EVERYONE loves your Chinese lady as well. She has already endeared herself to my people and everyone knows what is between the two of you. Why don't you marry both of them, at the same time and have it over and done with? That way it will be all settled."
"I'm not sure Crysanthamum would like that idea," Samuel objected.
"I have already spoken to her," the president answered. "She has given her tentative consent. My wife and I would be greatly honored if you would let us bear witness for Suzie. We've grown quite fond of her when she stayed with us during the trials."
"We would be honored!" Samuel finally conceded. He thought the announcement might dull the enthusiasm. It only increased it! Even more dignitaries began to pour into the city. When Major David's four captains arrived Samuel called them into his office, and explained the second reason why they were there. The four men sat in shock.
"If you object to being involved in the selection process," Samuel offered, "I could convein a board of Warlocks to consider the problem."
"No! No!" Captain Peter put in. "Your honesty and fairness is known by all. Your help is greatly honored and appreciated. That it is so hard for our leader to choose between us honors us! As you request, we will meet you privately to be interviewed in the next four days."
Captain Joseph, the most questionable of all the candidates then spoke up.
"Perhaps I should wait a while," he remarked, "before presenting my gift."
"No!" Captain Andrew objected.

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