“Two.”
“One,”
“Two.”
It went down the line, one hundred strong.
“Numbers Two, ten paces forward, march!”
There was a happy smile on Numbers Two as they spurred forward—they knew what it meant. They were lucky.
“Now, boys, you know I want to lead you,” went on the Captain, “but it isn’t fair. I must take my chances, too, and tote fair with the First Lieutenant. Lieutenant Troup will toss up with me,” he said with a laugh as he tossed a coin from his saddle into the air. It flashed high up in the sunlight.
“Heads for me, Lieutenant, and here’s wishing you—”
“Tails!” said the soldier who picked it up.
The Lieutenant flushed as he spurred forward saluting. Then men cheered again and the Captain wheeled, saying: