"Oh, no, we can't be heroes," grimaced Noll. "We're going to be regulars, and it's only the volunteers who are allowed to be heroes, you know," added Noll jocosely. "There's nothing heroic about a regular fighting bravely. That's his trade and his training."
"Don't you youngsters tell anyone," Hal insisted. "Or we shall be sorry that we told you."
"What do you take us for?" demanded Jud scornfully.
Hal and Noll had had it in mind to stroll off by themselves, for this was likely to be their last day in the home town for many a day to come. But Jud and Tom were full of hero worship of the two budding soldier boys, and walked along with them.
"There's Tip Branders," muttered Tom suddenly.
"I don't care," retorted Jud. "He won't dare try anything on us; and, if he does, we can take care of him."
"What has Tip against you?" asked Hal Overton.
"He tried to thrash me, yesterday."
"Why?"
"I guess it was because I told him what I thought of him," admitted Jud, with a grin.