His actions told that he was a man who knew what to do in an emergency. First of all he stepped between the boys, and put an arm through theirs. Then he commanded a batch of passing soldiers under a subaltern to swing around them, so that on every side they were protected from the crowd.
After that they started off briskly. Jack looked at his chum and nodded his head as if to say that it was more than fortunate for them they chanced to come across such a level-headed officer in their time of need.
A crowd started to follow after them, and seeing this the resolute captain gave a sharp order that caused the guard to turn and make threatening gestures with the bayonets on their guns. After that, as though recognizing the fact that such an officer was not to be trifled with, the mob fell back and scattered into fractions.
The danger was evidently past, at least so far as that quarter was concerned. It remained to be seen how they would get on with the general. Having the utmost faith in the talisman they carried, neither Jack nor Amos felt much fear. In this crisis of the country’s history none but sensible men would be in command of the King’s forces in the field; and they could depend on just treatment, which was all they asked.
There was evidently no desire in those days of hovering Zeppelins and hostile aeroplanes capable of dropping dangerous bombs, to make Headquarters in any way conspicuous. No flags decorated the humble building to which the American boys were now taken. In fact, unless the steady flow of messengers and orderlies were noted one would never dream a general high in authority had taken it over for his personal quarters.
“Remain here while I see if the general is in and can give you a few minutes,” was what the captain told them, with which he vanished beyond the two grim sentries who guarded the doorway.
“Let me tell you we’ve been mighty lucky to have such a friend bob up when we needed one,” remarked Jack, as they awaited the reappearance of the officer.
“I kind of think he’s taken quite a fancy to you, Jack,” the other observed. “He must have a soft spot in his heart for Americans. Every time he looked around at one of us he’d sort of smile. I’m going to ask him if he ever lived across the water in our country. Here he comes. I think it’s all right, and the general will see us, because he looks as ‘pleased as Punch,’ as these Britishers say.”
Amos guessed rightly, for the captain nodded his head as he came up to them, still surrounded by the men in khaki.
“You are to come in with me, boys. The general has a few minutes of leisure, and will listen to what you have to say,” he told them, as he dismissed the men.