Colonel English got into his automobile and was whirled away to the village, where he consulted for perhaps ten minutes with Colonel Johnson. Then he returned to where he had left Hal, and still sitting in his car, wrote his report briefly. This he passed to Hal.
"I want to say," he said, "that Colonel Johnson has informed me that it was really you who made possible the capture of the village; also that you saved his life in the midst of battle earlier in the day."
"Well, he saved mine, too, sir," muttered Hal, flushing slightly.
"It's all in a day's work, Major, I know that," said Colonel English. "At the same time, I have seen fit to mention your name in my report to General Rhodes."
"Thank you, sir," said Hal.
"And I hope," Colonel English continued, "that I may have the pleasure of being associated with you further before this war has come to an end."
"Thank you, sir," said Hal again.
Colonel English extended a hand, which Hal grasped.
"Good luck," said the colonel.
"The same to you, sir. By the way, sir, may I have a car in which to make my return trip?"