“Tom Somers!” exclaimed old Hapgood, a flood of tears sliding down his furrowed cheeks, “I won’t stand nothin’ of the sort! I’d jump into the river and drownd myself before I’d take it, after what you’ve done.”
“You are both worthy of it,” added Captain Benson.
“Please give it to Hapgood,” pleaded Tom. “He first proposed going out after the little schooner.”
“Give it to Tom, cap’n. It’ll help heal his wound,” said Hapgood.
“No; it would do me more good to have you receive it,” protested Tom.
“Well, here, I can’t have this battle fought in the hospital,” interposed the surgeon. “They are good friends, captain, and whichever one you give it to, the other will be suited. You had better settle the case at head-quarters.”
“If you please, Captain Benson, I would like to have Hapgood stay with me to-night, if he can be spared.”
The veteran was promptly detailed for hospital duty, and the captain returned to his quarters to decide the momentous question in regard to the sergeant’s warrant.