“It is enough,” he said, getting to his feet again.
The lads flushed with pleasure.
“Captain Paine, Captain Crawford,” said General Pershing. “I congratulate you both. You have done well.”
Hal and Chester started at the title of “captain” and Hal would have spoken. But General Pershing stayed him with a gesture.
“Your promotions I made out before you started,” he said simply. “It would have been no disgrace had you failed. I understand you were captains in the British army before you resigned to go to America and fight for Old Glory. Surely your own country is bound to treat you as well as England.”
The faces of both boys were red and they fidgeted nervously. The praise of their general pleased them, but they would rather have done without it.
“Thank you, sir,” muttered Hal.
Chester also stammered his gratitude.
“I will say this much more,” continued General Pershing; “You are young for captains, it is true, but if before the war is over you do not rank still higher I am a bad prophet.”
Again the lads stammered their thanks.