Part 11 (1/2)

”Yes. Make haste.”

Dan sprang out through the doorway and down the bank.

CHAPTER VI-IN THE MIDST OF THE BATTLE

”A nice mix-up. There'll be an awful row about this,” muttered Dan, as he slid down the steep bank on his feet.

When he reached the bottom, Flink, the apprentice, still bore the greater part of his weight upon the officer.

”Here's my chance,” decided Dan. Springing to his feet, he grabbed Flink by the collar with both hands. Giving him a violent tug, Flink came away, Dan hurling him to one side with surprising strength.

”May I help you, sir?” he asked courteously.

The officer did not answer, but there was an angry gleam in his eyes.

Dan proceeded to brush him off, using the sleeves of his own jacket for the purpose, while the officer stood still until the brus.h.i.+ng was finished. He then stepped back and saluted.

”Thank you, my lad. Are you the one who is responsible for this?”

”No, sir.”

”Who is?”

”The men were holding a c.o.c.k-fight under orders, sir.”

”Ah, I see. Who is that apprentice?”

”I believe his name is Flink, sir.”

”Who threw him out?”

”My friend, Hickey, sir.”

”Very well; you may go.”

Dan made his way around the base of the embankment, and a few moments later joined his companions in the drill hall, where he saluted his superior, fell in and began his practice work once more.

Sam's face was as solemn as he could make it. Flink, on the contrary, when he rejoined the squad, was scowling angrily. He was dust-covered, his face smeared and altogether he presented a most ludicrous sight.

They were once more being put through the manual of arms when a messenger approached the quartermaster. A brief conversation ensued.

The quartermaster ran his eyes down the line.

”Hickey, fall out!” he commanded.

The red-haired boy did so.

”Do not lose your temper. You are going to be called down. Be respectful and use your head,” warned Dan in a whisper, as Sam stepped back from the line.