The boys grinned. Lieutenant Parker was one of the best friends they had, and they had learned that nothing teased him like being quizzed about the deep, palpitating scar that creased his dark head, the truth being that he had received the wound in an encounter that had won him the coveted French war cross with the palms. Porky and Beany considered modesty in others little less than a sin. They were always so thirsty for tales of blood and glory that they could not see why _any one_ should hesitate to tell every possible detail of any adventure. It happened, strangely enough, that they did not apply the same rule to their own conduct. To get details out of the Potter twins was, as their own father said, like drawing nails out of a green oak board, accompanied by screeches of protest. The boys had had the Lieutenant’s story, however, and they harked back to the news of the day. “I am going on that hike,” said Porky, standing up and stamping himself comfortably into his clothes. “So’m I,” said his brother, likewise stamping. “Try for something else, kid,” said the Lieutenant. “You can’t get in on this. It is strictly staff.” “Watch me!” said young Porky, the cocksure. He hurried to the door and disappeared, while Beany, a trifle slower in his dressing, roared, “Wait for me!” A muttered response of some sort was the only satisfaction given. Beany grinned. “He is always so sudden!” he complained, addressing the Lieutenant. “Might as well stay here until he comes back. I never like to butt in on Porky’s talky-talks. He most generally knows what he wants to say, and he don’t need any help in getting it out of his system. I certainly hope we can go with the General. You are always yelling about that old silver plate you have on your topknot. Look at us: seems like we just can’t get into a trench. Honest Injun, I’m so sick of this old chateau--” “I never did see such a pair!” said Lieutenant Parker. “Didn’t you have enough of an adventure the other night to last you two or three days?” He was going on, when Porky burst into the room. He threw up his hat. “Better, much better than I ever hoped,” he crowed. “Hand it out!” demanded Beany anxiously. “Why, I was going to give the General a great line of talk, and I didn’t have a chance to do a thing but salute. He was talking to a French officer and the minute he went out, the General just said, ‘All right to-day, young man?’ I said, ‘Yes, sir,’ and he said, ‘No time to talk! Report in the courtyard to-morrow morning five-thirty, field equipment, for special duty with my staff.’