And then to
think that he had taken part in the occupation of the village. It was
all very wonderful, but very real, too, and for several days he took
much pains in writing an article for the paper describing the events
leading up to and including the capture of the village. And in the
narration Bill Hickson was an important character. He had again proved
himself a hero of the first water by insisting that the boat proceed
when the first attempt was made to land, and by being the first man
ashore when a landing was finally effected. He was a leader in
everything that was done. He marched at the head of the squad when
they marched through the streets of the village, calling all the
people to assemble in the public square, and be stood beside the
officers with his rifle handy when the ceremony of swearing allegiance
was gone through with. When it was all over he was called to the
admiral's cabin aboard the cruiser and congratulated for being so
brave and so ever-ready to lead in any dangerous undertaking; but Bill
Hickson simply blushed and said he hadn't done "anything worth
mentionin'." The men aboard thought differently, however, and he was
even a greater hero after this adventure than he had been before.
Archie, too, received the congratulations of the admiral. "You have
been a brave boy," he said, "and deserve much credit for showing so
little fear in the face of danger.
Pages:
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153