"Have you seen this?" interrupted an officer at the next table. "I couldn't help overhearing."
He handed Frank a copy of the Times, pointing to a paragraph half-way down a column headed "New V.C.'s." Frank looked, flushed, and passed the paper silently to his father.
"Read it out, sir," cried Tomlinson.
Mr. Forester rubbed his glasses, and had some trouble in clearing his throat. He mumbled a word or two, then, more distinctly, read:
"For signal bravery in volunteering twice to locate an enemy battery, and enabling our naval guns to destroy it ... had already shown conspicuous proofs of courage and resource."
"And that's all they say about it!" Tomlinson exclaimed. "Is it D.S.O., sir?"
"It appears to be V.C.," said Mr. Forester.
"Hurray!" cried Tomlinson, flinging up his cap. "That's news to carry back to Anzac."
At this moment, from somewhere outside came the strains of a band.
"Ah! It couldn't have come in more pat," added Tomlinson.