And the next morning the sun arose upon a blackened and smoking mass of ruins, where once the thriving village had stood.
The forenoon was employed by our troops in burying the dead and in attending to the wounded. These last mentioned were placed in ambulances to be transported back to C.
And at midday the battalion was under arms and prepared to march.
They reached C. about nightfall, carrying with them the news of the complete success of the expedition.
Major Kerr made a true report of the action, giving Captain Wing his just dues of praise.
And the next morning Colonel Rosenthal sent for Wing, and expressed his high approbation of that young officer’s heroism.
“There is not a man in my company, Colonel, who does not merit as much praise as you have kindly bestowed upon me,” answered Wing respectfully.
“And they shall receive it. But the wonder to me is, Wing, that you were not hurt, leading the men as you did to that terrible charge. You were not even slightly wounded, were you?”
“Not even scratched, Colonel.”
“Pray do you wear a magic armor under your uniform, Wing?”