This was news to the boys, who could scarcely refrain from showing how surprised they were to hear it. They were disappointed as well, for if Tom told the truth they would lose the fun of hearing how he took to the bushes to escape duty.
"Of course if your resignation has been accepted by the Governor," said Rodney, "why, then——"
"It hasn't been accepted yet," replied Tom, speaking before he thought. "I only sent it to-day."
"Then you are still in the service and can be held to duty," said Dick; and Captain Tom and his mother both heard the sigh of satisfaction that escaped him as he uttered the words. "I have known men to go into action and be killed after their term of service expired."
"But I won't do it, I bet you," whined Tom, with tears in his eyes. "Do you think it will be a very hard fight?"
"It can't help it; it's bound to be, and you'll see more dead and wounded men lying around than you—— Gracious! I'm glad they can't call on you and me, Dick."
"Why, won't you have to go?" faltered Mrs. Randolph.
"No, ma'am. We showed our discharges to-day, and they never said a word about ordering us out. They can't, for we have served our time."