CHAPTER V. RALPH AT HEADQUARTERS.
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OU'RE in luck, my boy,” and Bill Elliott's face showed genuine pleasure as he shook hands with Ralph. “You are to show yourself at headquarters and receive your reward, as the good boys in story books always do.”
An orderly came up to Ralph, and said:—“You are wanted at headquarters.”
Ralph proceeded to the officers' tent. For the first time he stood in the presence of his commanding officers, and as he saluted respectfully, a tall, kindly-faced man looked at him with some surprise.
“How old are you?” was the abrupt query, as the officer looked in the beardless face of the boy.
“Nearly eighteen, sir.”