Sam Hickey grinned, but he did not salute.
“Why do you do that every time?” he questioned.
“Because it is the Flag of our country, Sam. Always salute the Flag whenever you see it. You will find that we shall be expected to do so from this time on.”
“You never did that to the Flag in front of the High School at home.”
“Perhaps I did not know then,” answered Dan, with a smile.
They moved on, gazing about them with the keenest interest. A moment later Dan caught sight of an officer, clad completely in white, approaching them at a brisk pace.
“I’m going to ask him where we should go,” said Sam.
“No; let me do that. I am afraid you will make a mess of it,” laughed Dan. “Officers are very particular as to how they are addressed. Perhaps I shan’t do it right, but I think I know how it ought to be done.”
Sam muttered something that his companion did not catch. In fact, Dan was not listening. His eyes were fixed on the dignified figure approaching them. When within eight or ten paces of the officer Dan halted, raising his right hand in salute as he came to attention.
The salute was answered by the officer, who, noting that the boy wished to speak to him, also halted.