“That is well put,” said Jack, dryly, “for I don’t believe you could help making jokes if you did try.”
CHAPTER XVI
AN ANONYMOUS ACCUSATION
When next Jack saw the Colonel the latter had regained his wig, his natural complexion and his dignity, the last being so great that it was a perfect danger signal warning away all levity or even the slightest sign of it on the part of the boys.
“You showed very commendable bravery, Sheldon,” said the Colonel, “and I congratulate you for your spirit. Rescuing those in danger is more commendable than conducting an imitation newspaper.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Jack, saluting and going back to his friends.
“What has Bull got against the Gazette?” he asked Arthur and Harry.
“Oh, it poked a little quiet fun at him once and he has never recovered from it,” laughed Harry. “The Colonel is a bit of a martinet and imagines that the army lost one of its brightest officers when he was retired.”
“But he was a Colonel?”