"Of course, you are still in the service, and that is merely an order for the last month's pay."
"I know that, but they didn't say anything about keeping on," said Ralph.
"They don't have to. You are in and the only way to get out is to be invalided, or to get a discharge in a regular way, and then you are free. Of course, we know how you feel about the death of your friend, and no one blames you for your aversion to re-entering the aviation service; but if you really want to get out, the matter can be easily arranged by applying to the American Ambassador, on the ground that you are Americans, and are minors," said the doctor.
The boys looked at each other in silence, and finally Ralph spoke: "I think it would be well to do that; would you mind taking the steps for us?"
"I certainly shall be glad to do so; you have earned an honorable discharge, if any one has," said the doctor.
It thus turned out that three days after leaving the hospital, they received a document at their hotel from the American Embassy. On opening it they found two documents, reciting that Alfred Elton and Ralph Cottrell, native Americans, in the aviation service, were entitled to honorable discharges.
Somehow the news was not enthusiastically received. They glanced at each other for a few moments in silence.
"Does that suit you?" asked Ralph.
"Not in the least," said Alfred with a mournful shake of the head. "I don't think the doctor had any business to get us out of the service."