It was fully a minute before either lad could express himself, and the lieutenant and Corporal Hoskins took a full measure of enjoyment out of their apparent happy gratification.
"Captain, if you please," Mr. Mackinson corrected amiably. "You see, I was in the list, too."
Slim and Jerry simultaneously brought their horses to a halt while they came to a full military salute.
As they approached Major Jones' headquarters with their prisoners, Captain Mackinson turned another way and Corporal Hoskins dropped back.
Briefly, and without undue emphasis upon their own hardships or courage or common sense, they gave the details of their activities since they had left, and of the capture of Slim and the subsequent taking of his captors.
"You have done well, exceptionally well," the major responded. "In consequence whereof it gives me great pleasure to inform you that you have been advanced to the rank of sergeant. In that respect I might remind you that the next step is to a commission, and that merit and courage will take a man to any command in the United States army. It is the only standard of advancement, and there is no other instrument of preferment. I am happy to know that you young men have started so well. You two, and the friend who also was advanced to sergeant with you, have brilliant futures before you."
They were saluting, preliminary to departure, when the major added:
"You will report to General Young, division commander, at ten o'clock."
A little bewildered by the salutes of those privates who knew of their promotions, even though they did not yet wear upon their sleeves the two stripes indicating their advance to corporals, Jerry and Slim hurried toward the wash spigots, preliminary to an assault upon the mess tent.
There they met Joe, who had just come off duty as night wireless operator at headquarters. They shook hands, and then Slim demanded to know about that letter from Brighton.
"It was from our old friend, the telegrapher, Philip Burton," said Joe, "and it was written about three weeks ago."
"That's pretty quick delivery," said Slim. "What did he have to say?"
"Well, it seems they've had reports there of some of our experiences coming over, and Mr. Burton says some of the finest things."