“I, too, have been made a captain.”
“Who of the others of the Old Guard are going?” asked Fred.
“Oh, there are quite a number, including Harry Blossom, Bart Conners, Dave Kearney, and Hans Mueller.”
“For gracious sake! you don’t mean that Hans Mueller is going?” queried Jack. He had often heard of this German-American who had been a school chum of his father. Mueller had never learned to use the English language correctly, and had been intensely German in many of his ways.
“Yes, Hans Mueller has volunteered,” answered Colonel Colby. “But he is going into the heavy artillery, so I’m afraid your fathers and I won’t see very much of him. In spite of his German blood, Hans Mueller is very patriotic, and that counts for a good deal.”
“I should say it did!” said Fred.
“And what about Mr. Powell and Mr. Garrison?” questioned Jack.
“We have been corresponding with those two gentlemen, but up to to-day have not heard what they have decided to do. We are hoping that they will go with us if they can leave their business. And that puts me in mind. You will probably want to know about your Uncle Tom, and I presume the twins would like to know, too.”
“Yes, indeed!”
“Well, when the question of going to the front came up, your Uncle Tom was just as eager to go as anybody, even though he was never an officer during his days at Putnam Hall Military Academy. But it was realized that some one must remain behind to take charge of The Rover Company. More than this, your Uncle Tom is at the head of one of the most important committees connected with the sale of Liberty Bonds, and he is also at the head of one of the Red Cross committees, and doing splendid work in both positions. The matter was talked over a number of times, and finally, much, however, against his will, he consented to withdraw in favor of your fathers. It is understood that he is not only to look after the business, but that he will likewise look after all of you young folks, including your sisters.”