There was a rush. In mid-field Dick Prescott and
Dave Darrin gripped hands as if they could never let go again.
Across their outstretched arms Greg and Dan found each other in a
right-hand clasp.
So delighted were the old chums that they fairly hugged each other.
Over it all, while the spectators gazed in silent wonder, came
the strains from the Army band, for the leader, more with a sense
of the fitting than from any knowledge of facts, waved his men
into the strains of "Auld Lang Syne."
"Should auld acquaintance be forgot-----"
The band was playing softly. As the spectators took up the fine
old words the band music died down. There came a rolling rattle
from the drum section of the Navy band, and then high over all
the voices rose the triumphant measures of "Columbia, the Gem
of the Ocean."
That crowd forgot to cheer. It was a moment for song, as thousands,
catching the full spirit of the air, gave voice to---
"The Army and Navy forever!"
Not a word, so far, had been spoken by any one of the chums.
They had not intended to bring about a scene like this, making
themselves the central figures in the great picture. But it was
too late to retreat.
"It seems as though an age had gone by, Dave," spoke Cadet Prescott.
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