“I can believe that. What did they say?”
“I can’t remember all they said. At a time like that, things people say don’t count. It’s what they do and how they feel that really matters. I can’t explain exactly what I mean. But if you’d been there, you’d understand.”
“I think I understand now, Dick,” said Sandy softly.
“That experience will make a man of him. He’s changed already. And the girl, too. It was a lesson for both of them.”
Toma dropped off the raft a moment later, during a lull in the conversation, and swam in widening circles around them. For a short time the two boys watched him, then suddenly, with a little start, Dick seized his trousers and plunged one hand in a pocket.
“There! I’d almost forgotten. Here’s a check for both of you from Inspector Cameron. Toma,” he called, “come back!”
Toma swam back to the raft, and then Dick told them of his interview with the commandant, not forgetting to mention the letter that had been read to him.
“Wish I’d put in my application too,” sighed Sandy.
“It isn’t too late yet. Inspector Cameron told me to tell you.”
“I’ll write one out this very day,” decided Sandy.