"Then drop the hero business and forget all about it," begged Hal.
"I reckon I like you better for that," nodded Hyman. "Lovely weather we're having, isn't it?"
"Lovely air this afternoon," laughed Noll, sniffing. "Just smell the odors coming from the Army stoves."
"Now you're talking about your own exploits," teased Hyman. "You were on the detail that went in after the fresh grub that's going to make two hundred men, more or less, extremely happy to-night."
"Attention, B Company!" called out Lieutenant Prescott, stepping in among the groups of resting soldiers. "I am directed by Captain Cortland to state that, immediately after supper to-night, twenty men of B Company may have leave to visit Mason City. But they will be required to be back here punctually at ten o'clock to-morrow morning. Men who wish to avail themselves of the proffered leave will see Sergeant Gray without delay."
"Going in, Hyman?" asked Hal, as that soldier turned to walk away.
"If I'm fortunate enough to get leave," nodded Hyman. "There are several things I want to do in town."
The supper that night was as perfect and as hearty as the resources of camp permitted. Some of the soldiers ate so heartily that they were presently content to lie about camp for the evening, and were glad they had not applied for town leave.
Captain Freeman had allowed the same number of his men town leave.