"Ask these other men first," suggested Noel. "I was the last one to put in a claim that I had sent word, so let me be the last one to explain how I sent it."
"All right. Now, go ahead, you tell how you sent your word," the orderly demanded as he looked keenly at the oldest of the trio.
"I don't just remember," stammered the soldier. "It seems to me I sent a letter."
"That's what I did, too," said the second. "I wrote a note and sent it by one of the boys."
"And how did you get word to him?" the orderly inquired as he turned to the third man.
"I give it up. I'll own up, too, that I didn't send any word at all, though I wanted to. Perhaps I took the wish for the deed."
"Now explain how you sent your message," said the soldier as he again turned to Noel.
"I sent it by the man who brought us our dinner to-day."
"That's right. You're the boy. You come with me."
Without any delay Noel was conducted by the orderly to the tent of the colonel, and soon was admitted.