Just before seven the Overtons were seated at a table in Ralston's locally famous restaurant. Noll and his parents arrived at about the same moment. But the news had flown ahead of the young men. Just as the party was seating itself the orchestra crashed out into the strains of "See, the conquering hero comes!" "I suppose that's meant for a joke on us," grinned Lieutenant Noll, in an undertone. "Then try to look unconscious," returned Hal, in an equally low voice, and immediately engaged Noll's father and mother in conversation. There was some whispering between waiters and patrons of the place, and presently a light sound of applause rippled out. It soon became a steady salvo. Still the two young lieutenants went on with their chatting. But the leader of the orchestra had a further surprise. Giving his men only a moment for rest, he once more waved his violin bow, and the musicians started in with "The Star-Spangled Banner." No soldier may ignore that splendid air; no citizen has a right to. As the strain died out the young soldiers and their party re-seated themselves, going on with their chat again. A waiter dropped two menu cards on the table, then stood waiting for the order. "Won't the ladies select the dinner?" asked Hal. "We'd prefer that our sons do that," smiled Mrs. Terry. "You do it, then, Hal," directed Noll Terry. "I left my spectacles at home." "What about officers and their duty to tell the truth?" chided Mrs. Terry, whose heart was full of joy and pride to-night. "I'll amend my statement," replied Noll meekly. "I didn't bring my spectacles with me. But Hal ought to do the ordering, anyway. He always did. He was my ranking sergeant, and now he's my ranking lieutenant." "We don't know that yet," objected Hal quickly. "We don't yet know anything about the order in which we passed." "In the meantime," hinted Mr. Overton, "the cook's fire is running low." So Hal turned his attention to the menu card, ordering with a free hand. "Gracious! How many do you think there are at this table, young man?" demanded his mother. "There are six of us," Hal answered. "But we can take hours in which to finish the meal, if we want to. Ralston's doesn't close until midnight." The waiter, having received the order in silence, shuffled off without a word. "Nothing very magnetic about that waiter," thought Hal, his glance following the waiter for an instant. "Somehow, his face looks familiar, too, but I've been away from home during the very few years when every boy turns into a young man. If I ever knew the chap I've forgotten him." There was a rustling of silken skirts, then a resolute and very important-looking woman paused at the table. Just behind her waited a short, thin, rather negative-looking man.