The sergeant looked the four over. As his eyes fell on Harding he started.
“I’ll take my oath it’s Harding!” he exclaimed, and advanced with outstretched hand.
“Right you are sergeant,” said Harding. “How do you like my new uniform?”
“Fine, if you killed a Boche to get it,” the sergeant made reply. He turned to the colonel. “I’ll be responsible for these men, Smith,” he said.
The private walked away.
Harding explained the situation to the sergeant in a few words, leaving out, however, all reference to the lads’ mission.
“I’ll wake the colonel myself,” said the sergeant, “if you say you must be on your way at once.”
“We must, sergeant,” said Chester.
“Very well then; follow me, but you there, Mr. Fritz, walk ahead and remember I’ve got my gun ready and would be glad to use it.”
In this manner they reached the quarters of the British regimental commander, who received Hal and Chester immediately when he learned that there was need of haste.