It had been the captain's intention to keep Laddie in the background until Osborne had been given an opportunity of greeting his chum, and had been introduced to the army officer who had been instrumental in saving the dog's life. It was M'Bride's idea of "breaking news gently". But Laddie, not having been consulted in the matter, thought fit to do otherwise.
His instinct told him that his master was in the buildings. With a run he bounded into Osborne's room, and in an ecstasy of delight rubbed his head against the Lieutenant's hand.
"I don't know how to thank you enough," said Osborne, when Dixon had been introduced and his part in the saving of Laddie's life related.
"No need," replied Dixon protestingly. "Quite an interesting operation. Mere professional motives. Difficult case—rather out of the ordinary, don't you know—so I tackled it, and it came off all right."
"He's too modest, Osborne," declared Webb. "Some day, when he's not here, I'll tell you what he did and the trouble he took."
"If you do," said Dixon with mock severity, "I'll let Osborne know what you were doing when first I called at your quarters."
"Hallo, what's this?" enquired the wounded Lieutenant, noticing the additional gold ring on the sleeve of Webb's uniform. "Congrats., Tom; the heartiest!"
"And he has the D.S.O.," added Captain M'Bride.
"Goodness only knows what for!" said Webb. "I did no more than the rest of us, and yet—— You ought to have had the distinction, old man."
Osborne smiled.