It was Major Bayne who called his attention to this
unusual demonstration, which was reserved only for great occasions and
for nothing less than a battalion commander.
"They are saluting you, Pilot," said Major Bayne in a whisper, himself
standing with the other officers.
Barry quickly lifted his eyes, saw the men standing, with all eyes
directed toward him, slowly looked over the rows of faces, smiled a
bright but slightly wavering smile, turned and saluted the Commanding
Officer, and sat down all trembling and shaken by this most touching
tribute of sympathy and affection.
The show began with some pictures of great allied leaders which excited
a mild interest and drew some perfunctory applause. Then came the tragic
comedy of John Bull's experiences as an immigrant, when just as the
interest began to deepen, the machine blew up, and the pictures were off
for the night.
Ordinarily such a contretemps would have been by no means fatal to the
evening's enjoyment, for in the battalion there was no lack of musical
and other talent, and an impromptu entertainment was easily possible.
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