When Hal rose to go Ben reached out his hand to him. “There’s not much left,” he said, “for me to say, except to assure you, with all the heart and energy I’ve got, that my father’s sentiments are mine.” And in that moment the old breach between them was closed forever. On the day that Private Ben Barriscale left the hospital, a committee representing the enlisted men of Company E called on First Lieutenant McCormack at company headquarters. There were three sergeants and two corporals. The lieutenant received them graciously but wonderingly, and waited for them to declare their errand. Manning, although only a corporal, appeared to be the spokesman of the committee. He saluted gravely and drew from his pocket a formidable looking paper. “Lieutenant McCormack,” he said, “we are not sure whether or not we are violating military rules and customs in appearing before you to make a certain request, but we feel that our earnestness and good faith will, in any event, be our sufficient excuse. I hand you a petition, signed by every enlisted man in Company E but one, and as the matter concerns him he was not asked to sign it.” He handed the paper to McCormack, returned to his place and stood at attention. The company commander, with not a little misgiving, unfolded the paper and began to read it. It ran as follows: “_To First Lieutenant Halpert McCormack, Commanding Company E_: “The undersigned, including the entire roster of your Company with the exception of one name, respectfully pray you to fill the vacancy now existing in the office of First Sergeant, by reappointing thereto Private Benjamin Barriscale who has heretofore filled the position with marked ability. “_Signed_,” McCormack ran his eyes down the long list of names, then folded the paper and looked into the faces of his visitors. “Are you aware,” he said, “that when Private Barriscale was returned to the ranks he lost his grading, and, in accordance with military usage, should begin again at the lowest round of the ladder to win promotions?” “We are aware of that,” was Manning’s reply; “but we feel that the circumstances surrounding Barriscale’s case warrant the waiving of this custom. He has taken his punishment like a soldier. He has made himself agreeable and helpful to his comrades. He is absolutely faithful in the performance of every duty. It seems to us that he has paid in full the penalty for his old offense.” The company commander did not seem to be greatly interested in this plea, but he turned to Acting First Sergeant Bangs, who stood at the left of the group. “Are you willing,” he asked, “to waive such right of appointment to the first sergeantcy, as you may have by reason of your present position?” “Yes, Lieutenant,” was the prompt and earnest reply; “I am not only willing, but glad to do it. In my judgment Private Barriscale has easily won the honor which we are asking for him.”