They found the head of Colby Hall seated at his desk, looking over a number of private papers and accounts. He looked up questioningly, and then smiled as he recognized his visitors.
“Got your news from home, I suppose,” he said, after motioning them to seats. “I knew it was coming.”
“It’s great news, Colonel Colby!” cried Jack, his eyes shining. “Here is the telegram. You see it says you will give us more information. Of course, both Fred and I are curious to know all the particulars.”
“I’ll be glad to tell you all I can, boys,” answered Colonel Colby. “And first of all let me say that I have also volunteered, and I, too, have been commissioned.”
“Isn’t that fine!” exclaimed Fred. “Are you going with our fathers?”
“Yes. And I may as well tell you a little secret. Quite a crowd of us, all former pupils of Putnam Hall, have volunteered, and we hope to go into the war together.”
“May I ask what sort of commission my father obtained?” questioned Jack.
“He has been made a captain and your Uncle Sam has been made a lieutenant.”
“A lieutenant!” said Fred. “Well, that’s something anyhow!”
“And what about you, if I may ask?” continued Jack.