For a moment after the echoes of the explosion died away there was silence, and then came a ringing and spontaneous cheer. The soldier lads realized that Jerry had saved the lives of some of them, and had prevented many from severe injury.
“Great work, my boy! Well done!” cried the lieutenant, as Jerry dropped back into the trench, and the officer shook hands with the tall lad.
“It was the only thing to do, that I could see,” Jerry explained. “I didn’t want to pick the grenade up in my hand, but I thought I could swing it out of the way with the shovel.”
“And you certainly did,” the lieutenant said. “As for you, Kennedy, I saw how you threw that bomb. It was against orders. You have been told to use the overhand swing, and because you did not you dropped the grenade too close to the trench. It was a violation of orders and a serious one. You may consider yourself under arrest.”
Pug received only what was due him, but the look he gave Jerry told that lad he might look for some retaliation on the part of the bully.
“I wish they’d put him out of the army, or at least transfer him to some other company,” said Bob, when the practice was over. “He does nothing but make trouble for us!”
And it did seem so, from the very beginning.
Jerry’s action was officially noted, and he received public commendation from the captain for his quick work in getting the grenade out of the way.
Jerry’s action later received a more substantial recognition than mere words, for he was made a corporal, being the first of the trio to gain promotion. But Ned and Bob were glad, not jealous.