Turning back to camp, the boys were informed that the colonel had given the word that they were to report to him as soon as they could be found.
“Something’s up,” predicted Billy, as they hurried to headquarters.
The colonel, when they arrived, was busy poring over an outspread map, and occasionally conferring with other officers grouped about him.
It was some time before the boys received attention, for evidently some issue of considerable moment was under discussion.
When the colonel finally expressed himself satisfied with the program outlined, he turned to his young friends and remarked:
“I presume that you will not object to my making a change of base, and,” smiling, “I hope you will not deny me the honor of your company in the movement.”
“Always at your command, colonel,” gallantly responded Henri.
“Then,” concluded the colonel, “you will be advised shortly of the hour of marching.”
“What’s to become of me?”
This was the anxious question that Reddy addressed to Henri as they left headquarters.