The dog was so excited about the letter that he constantly nosed and sniffed at it, so that it was difficult for his master to read it, but finally the end with worlds of love for them both was reached.
It was strange, thought the doctor, as he folded the letter and put it away, how this bit of paper had moved him. He had been through so much since coming to France, that he was not quite himself, but there was another consideration also. He had come so near to losing everything there in the Argonne Forest that life and home and loved ones had become doubly dear. He had often seen strong men weep like babies when they received letters from home. It had seemed strange to him that they should be so moved, but now he understood.
Two weeks more at the hospital went by and both master and dog improved rapidly. Finally the doctor was able to give up one cane, while Pep had his splint removed and his master declared that he would soon be as good as new.
It was about that time the division general visited the hospital. He brought with him the government’s reward for bravery. In the presence of the superintendent of the hospital, he pinned a cross for distinguished service on Pep’s master’s coat.
“I wouldn’t be here at all to receive the cross, general,” said the delighted surgeon, “if it had not been for that dog.” The general asked for Pep’s story and the doctor told it.
“Wish I had a handful of crosses for dogs,” said the general at the conclusion of the story. “I would certainly give him one. Here is some money. Get him the finest collar that money can buy and mark it from General Blank, as a mark of his appreciation of distinguished service.”
With these words the general shook the doctor’s hand, and after stroking Pep’s head went on his way, carrying cheer to the deserving soldiers in the hospital. As he went from ward to ward, he felt that all were deserving of the little crosses, but some were luckier than others.
The next day the doctor and Pep went out shopping and bought the best collar to be found in the city and had it engraved as the General had directed. When they returned, Pep went through the wards exhibiting his collar. He was a very proud dog. Of course he did not just know what it was all about, but he felt quite sure that he had done something fine, and that these good men all knew it. So if wagging of his tail would show his appreciation, he certainly expressed his own feeling on the whole matter.
After two more pleasant weeks at the hospital they were discharged and the doctor packed up his earthly belongings, which were few, and made ready to sail. The great ship on which they had come across was loading in the harbor and they did not intend to get left.
So one evening they made a final round of the wards and said good-by to all their friends. Then they were spirited away to the wharf in a taxicab.