CHAPTER XVI
HOW NEAL WON HIS DECORATION
Great was the astonishment and delight of Neal Kennedy on learning that his two former schoolmates were now on their way to the front to join the famous American escadrille that had for a long time been rendering such a good account of itself in the service of France.
"It's hard for me to believe I'm awake, fellows," he assured them, his eyes still kindling with eagerness as he surveyed their uniforms and military caps. "To think of you having spent all that time in Virginia learning to fly; and then finishing down at Pau, while I've been running an ambulance and carrying wounded poilus to the rear!"
"Don't say a word against your calling, Neal!" exclaimed Tom. "Why, it's great! Every day you fellows are risking your lives!"
Neal drew in a long breath.
"Thank you for saying that, Tom. You know, there are times when it galls a fellow to find himself just an ambulance driver—a
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