“Well, Lieutenant,” I said stiffly, “I feel it my duty to report these facts to Colonel Burbank.”
“That’s not military,” he said. “You must report them first to your captain, and he will report them to the colonel.”
“Oh, confound the red tape!” I said. “Can’t I report to the colonel in some way, without passing it around the red-tape ring?”
“Yes,” responded Jot, somewhat to my surprise, “the colonel was saying that he would like to see that watch of yours, that the Boche spoiled and told me to send you to his quarters some time.”
Then he came to me once more, and, grasping my hand, with a look of love on his high-bred face, said, “Do what your New England conscience dictates and God be with you, Davie. I wish I could see more of you. But whatever happens, remember that I am always your friend.”
Reaching Colonel Burbank’s quarters, I sent word by the orderly that I was present to take his orders, if he wished to give any, and, also had something important to communicate.
On reaching Colonel Burbank, I clicked my heels, saluted, and waited to be addressed by my colonel.
“What is it, Sergeant Stark? What do you wish to communicate?”
“I took the liberty of coming here because I was told that you wished to see me.”
“That will keep,” he replied and repeated his inquiry. Then I briefly told him what I have here narrated.