“And so do I,” added Phil. “And you deserve it, Dave, indeed you do!”
It may be added here that our hero was not the only one to obtain promotion. For their heroic work in road building and in cutting wire entanglements under heavy fire, both Roger and Phil were given medals and made lieutenants, while Ben became a sergeant and Shadow and Buster corporals.
“And now I’ve got to congratulate you fellows,” said Dave to Roger, Phil, and the others. “I tell you, old Oak Hall can be proud of this bunch!”
“That’s what!” answered Phil.
“What a shame Nat Poole had to act the way he did,” said Ben. “He’s the one bad egg in the basket.”
It may be added here that later on, when he had recovered from his illness, Nat Poole was dishonorably discharged from the army, and went back home a sadder if not a wiser young man. Max Gebauer was tried for his various misdeeds, and found guilty and sentenced to a long term in prison.
“I hope Nat has learned his lesson and turns over a new leaf after this,” remarked Dave, on hearing this news. “In spite of what he has done against me, I bear him no ill will.” Later still he heard that Nat had obtained a position as a traveling salesman for a hardware house and was doing his best to make good in that capacity.
It was a great day for the young engineers when they set sail for home. Other engineering units had come to France and were at the front, and it was felt that those who had gone through so many thrilling experiences had done all that could be asked of them.
“Home, sweet home, for me!” sang out Phil. “I never did think America could mean so much to me!”
“It’s the best of all the places in which to live,” answered Dave. “The very best!”