Chapter One summary.
The chapter begins with an illuminating conversation between Sam Damon and Celia Harrodsen. Sam is strong, well-built, and handsome, while Celia, with her blond hair and blue eyes, is the epitome of the All-American girl. Celia is attracted to Sam's brooding masculinity, but his independence exasperates her. In the conversation, she tries to pressure Sam into working at her father's bank, but he refuses. Sam comes from a working-class background, while Celia's family is wealthy; Celia's father is the president of the Platte and Midland Bank and the Harrodsen family name is a respected one.
When Sam admits that he has plans to serve his country and to attend West Point, Celia is incredulous; she becomes visibly upset, reminding Sam that one has to be appointed in order to attend the prestigious military institution. Also, Celia doesn't believe that Sam can pass the entrance examinations. She maintains that ambitious men never realize their true potential in the Army; Celia warns Sam that he will suffer excruciating privations in a repressive, militarized environment.
However, Sam argues that his destiny is his own and submits that he will be successful in the military. Celia warns him that she will not wait to marry him. They part ways after Celia gives Sam a passionate kiss designed to make him think twice about going away. Despite the earth-shaking kiss, Sam is still adamant about realizing his true destiny.
At home, Sam's Uncle Bill tells stories about horrific war injuries and terrifying missions during his exploits in the Philippine-American war, as Sam's brother, Ty, and old George Verney listen intently. Not to be bested, George Verney counters with his own stories about the Battle of Shiloh during the Civil War. Both men try to outdo the other, as they trade war stories. The chapter ends with Sam reiterating to his sister, Peg, his desire to succeed even if he becomes the subject of social ridicule in his town.
Chapter Two summary.
This chapter begins with Sam working as a night-clerk at the Grand Western hotel; during lulls, he reads stories about the Revolutionary War. Meanwhile, Ted Barlow, the coach and general manager for the Walt Whitman Warriors, informs Sam about the lineup for the baseball season. Sam pitches for the Warriors in his spare time. Eventually, the talk shifts to keeping Tim Riley, a trouble-maker, out of the Grand Western for the night. Ted offers to stay and help Sam fend the 'ex-lumberjack, ex-sailor, and ex-stevedore' off, but Sam declines his offer.
When Tim Riley comes in demanding to be served at the bar, Pop Ainslie, the bartender becomes visibly nervous. He warns Tim that he will call the police, but Tim laughs the threat away. Eventually, Sam appears and firmly tells Tim to leave. When Tim threatens to beat Sam up, Sam resorts to a skillful and instinctive maneuver to defeat the bully; he rears up on the desk and swings his legs over to slam Tim square in the jaw. Upon impact, the impressively built ex-lumberjack falls down the stairs. Despite a bruised ego, Tim is visibly impressed by Sam's powerful response. Before he leaves, Tim shakes Sam's hand and promises to beat up anyone who bothers Sam in the foreseeable future. Sam becomes the talk of the town for his spirited defense of the lodging establishment.
The next scene sees Sam at Congressman Bullen's office in Lincoln, Nebraska. When he asks for an appointment to West Point, the congressman wants to know why he should recommend a life-long Democrat to the most prestigious military college in America. Sam assures the congressman that he is his own man and that he always votes for the best candidate for office, regardless of his political affiliation. Sam also maintains that he graduated high school with stellar grades. Meanwhile, the man seated next to the congressman informs Mr. Bullen that Sam is the young man who defeated big Tim Riley with one punch. Visibly impressed, Congressman Bullen asks Sam for three references.
Sam offers up Mr. Herbert Thornton, the manager of the Grand Western; Mr. Walter Harrodsen, the president of the Platte and Midland Bank; and Congressman Bullen himself. Congressman Bullen is so taken with Sam's audacity that he offers the young man a secondary appointment to West Point. Since the principal appointee has already been chosen for the year, Sam would be the alternate appointee. The chapter ends with Sam leaving the congressman's office with nine minutes left to catch his train home.
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