"And what about our folks?" added Fred, as he too came in for a handshake.
"When our troopship left France your folks were expecting to follow in about ten days or two weeks. Most likely they are already on the way."
"And they were well?" asked Randy anxiously.
"Quite well. Of course, you know that your father and your Uncle Sam were wounded by some flying shells, and that your Uncle Dick suffered from a gas attack. But they are all recovering rapidly, and I don't doubt but what they will soon be as well as ever."
"Somebody said that dad had won a medal of honor," said Jack, his eyes lighting up with expectancy.
"It is true. He did win such a medal. And he deserved it. Probably he will give you all the particulars when he arrives."
That was all Colonel Colby could say at the time, because many others wanted to shake his hand, from Captain Dale down through all the teachers and the cadets to the school janitor, and even the women working in the kitchen and the men in the stables. He had been on good terms with all his hired help, and now they showed a real affection for him which touched his heart deeply.
"Just think of it! Our fathers may be back in ten days!" exclaimed Andy. "Isn't it the best ever!" And he commenced to dance a jig just to let off steam.
The boys lost no time in telephoning to the girls, and it may be imagined that Martha and Mary were indeed glad to hear the news.
The next day, just as the session was closing, the Rovers were informed that a man and a boy were out on the campus waiting to see them. They hurried out and found themselves confronted by John Franklin and his son Phil.