"And you think it would be imprudent?" asked General Lejeune with a slight smile.
"In view of the trouble we had getting here, yes, sir," replied Chester.
"Very well, then," said the general, "you may remain with us. Colonel O'Shea, will you find quarters for these gentlemen? By the way, I did not catch your names."
"Crawford, sir," said Chester.
"Paine, sir," said Hal.
"Very well," General Lejeune continued, "Colonel O'Shea, will you please see that Major Paine and Major Crawford are provided with suitable quarters? And will you both report to me at 8 o'clock in the morning, gentlemen? I may have need of you. The Second division is an hospitable unit, but you'll find that guests are required to work as well as home folks."
"We shall be more than glad to do our parts, sir," said Hal.
"Very well. Now you have kept me out of bed long enough. I'll leave you both to the good graces of Colonel O'Shea, and if he doesn't find suitable quarters for you, you let me know and I'll have him court-martialed."
With this, and a smile on his face, the good-natured commander took his leave.
"By George!" said Hal, as the lads followed Colonel O'Shea from the general's quarters, "he's the most lively commander I ever did see."