When order had been partially restored in the ranks, the major turned and saluted Colonel Silsbee, who had been standing near him, with folded arms, enjoying the scene quietly, but intensely. The colonel returned the salute, and advanced to address the troops.
“Soldiers of the Riverpark battalion,” he said, “I have to-day received a petition signed by every cadet in the school save one. I have read it with great pleasure; for it shows me that you appreciate soldierly efforts to regain the standing lost through an unhappy error. So do I appreciate them; and it will not detract one whit from the strength and virtue of your petition to tell you that I had already decided, before receiving it, to do that which you request. I do it very cheerfully; I am glad to confer honor upon one whom you yourselves have designated as the first soldier and gentleman among you.”
Colonel Silsbee saluted the major, and the major saluted the acting adjutant, and said,—
“Publish your Order, sir.”
Clear and resonant came Finkelton’s voice:
Headquarters, Riverpark Academy.
June 20, 186-.
SPECIAL ORDER, NO. 22.
Cadet Horace E. Brightly is hereby restored to the rank of First Lieutenant and Adjutant of the Riverpark Battalion, his commission to date from to-day. He will proceed immediately to the exercise of the duties of said office, and will be respected and obeyed accordingly.
By order of the Principal,
Col. Jonas Silsbee.