All saluted, and at the words “About face—march”, from Mr. Miller, returned to their positions with a grin upon their faces.
Then Tom was ordered forward, and received a commendation for efficient first-aid work in helping to save a woman by stopping the flow of blood from a severed artery. There was general surprise at Tom’s first-aid commendation, for none of the boys knew about the incident except Dick and Chippie.
“Just like him,” muttered Malloy; “with all his talk about Gray and the cat, he hasn’t let on about himself at all!”
“Gray, front and center,” was the next command.
Dick took his position “at attention” before the Chairman, with the most solemn face you could possibly imagine.
“Boys,” said the Chairman, addressing them all together, “the Court finds that the case of Gray is somewhat different from the others and requires special attention. Not only did he do good work in helping in a rescue and in moving belongings to a place of safety, but he actually saved life, although the life was only that of a little animal,—a little girl’s pet. The regular medal for ‘life saving’ could not be awarded in such a case, because that is reserved as a reward for the saving of human life only; for, while the law recognizes the sacredness of all harmless life, it makes an important distinction between the value of human life and that of an animal. However, the qualities of unselfishness and courage which Gray has shown in saving a kitten from the third story of a burning house are qualities which he or any other would need in saving human life under similar circumstances.”
While the Chairman was saying these words, Mr. Miller was watching Dick’s face attentively, for it was getting paler and paler, more and more troubled.
“The Court, therefore,” resumed the Chairman, “not only commends”—here the Chairman paused as he noticed the expression on Dick’s face.
“What’s the matter, Gray?” he asked kindly, in a low voice.
“I—I—can’t take it!” muttered Dick. “Don’t ask me now. May I speak to Mr. Miller for a minute?”