“I want to explain about Corporal Wheeler’s poncho.” He had to stop for a fit of coughing; the captain bent down and looked at him sharply. “He took off his poncho and made me put it on—I’d forgotten mine. I hope it won’t count against him.”
“What do you mean by staying on duty in this condition?” demanded the captain.
“I sound worse than I am.”
The captain grunted. “Report at sick call tomorrow. I’ll remember what you say about Wheeler. Goodnight!”
The next morning, when Kennedy returned from the hospital tent, having been pronounced fit to continue on active duty, he found the members of squad five congratulating Wheeler on his promotion to the rank of sergeant.
“Here’s the fellow that saved the job for me.” Wheeler clapped Kennedy’s shoulder. “Captain Hughes said you went to him and told tales out of school.”
Kennedy looked pleased. “I heard the captain tell you that you mightn’t be good at looking after your men,” he answered. “I thought I’d show him.”
“Business, just business,” said Wheeler with a twinkle in his eyes. “Dad would never forgive me if I let anything happen to you. I feel just as responsible for the bank, having you up here, as he does. Now come and I’ll give you another lesson in how to tie a knot.”
—Arthur Stanwood Pier.