ertifies us to the world to
be gentlemen as well as officers. You know the legal phrase, 'officer
and gentleman.' If we lie down tamely, and submit to such libelous
attacks as the _Sphere_ made on us this morning, then we do a wrong to
the whole body of officers and gentlemen in the Army. The officers of
our service have always had to stand a lot of abuse from a certain kind
of so-called newspapers. It's time to stop it by hitting any nail that
shows its head. We owe it to our brother officers."

"Noll, I'm inclined to think you're right."

"I know I am. Come along, down this street."

"Where now?"

"I'm headed for the office of Lawyer Kimball. He's the best man in town
to handle our case."

To the lawyer's office, therefore, the two Army boys went. Lawyer
Kimball listened, nodded, accepted their case to do what he could with
it, and offered them some advice.

Late that evening each Army boy received a telegram from the War
Department, to the effect that a complaint had been lodged against them.
They were ordered to remain in town, close to their home addresses, for
the receipt of further orders.

Next morning the _Sphere_ had much more to say, and said it jubilantly.
It informed its readers that the War Department had taken up the matter
and had promised to give satisfaction. There was a further bitter attack
on Lieutenants Overton and Terry.

That afternoon Hal escorted his mother to one of the department stores,
as Mrs. Overton had some purchases to make. They came face to face with
Mrs. Redding. The latter woman started slightly and looked embarrassed.
She would have gone by without bowing, but it was impossible for Mrs.
Redding to pretend that she had not seen Mrs. Overton and her son.

"Good afternoon," said Mrs. Redding, in a low voice.

Hal lifted his hat gravely as the society woman hastened on.

"She wasn't as cordial as she was the other evening," remarked Mrs.
Overton dryly.

"No, Mother; I'm afraid that Mrs. Redding doesn't care to risk going any
further with our acquaintance until she knows whether I'm to continue in
the Army."

"It won't be necessary for her to go any further," remarked Mrs. Overton
cooly. "I don't wish to know her. I am satisfied with my present circle
of friends."

"Old friends are always believed to be the best," murmured Hal.

The day after that meeting Hal and Noll each received word from the War
Department, containing copies of the complaint, and stating that a co