I feel that I have robbed them of something I can't
give them again. They are too good to say so, but every one of them
feels the disappointment as much as can be."
"Well," said the colonel, "there is no need for too much downheartedness
on that score. Maybe I can play fairy godmother along that line.
You Brighton boys have worked hard and studied hard. I have watched
you. I am pleased with you. You are all big enough now to begin
the game, I think, or at least you will be soon. What do you think,
Major?"
"I think you are right, sir," replied Major Phelps quietly. "If any
boys deserve to be taken into the service these surely do. They may
be a bit on the young side, but they will be quite old enough by the
time they get to France."
To France! The Brighton boys could hardly believe their ears. That
casual sentence quickened every pulse. To France! The bare
suggestion made them glow with anticipation.
"How do you feel about it?" asked the colonel, turning to the seven.
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