The ice-cream was in the shape of little tents, with a silk flag
sticking gayly out of the ridge pole of each.

The boys noted with satisfaction that the tents were good-sized.
They gave their whole attention to the work in hand, and the
others seemed secretly to agree to put aside the day's
excitements for a space.

After dinner they followed Mr. Leffingwell to his den, where Mrs.
Potter took out her knitting. She had a very large knitting bag,
and it seemed full of balls of wool.

Colonel Bright noticed it. "Looks as though you were going into
the knitting game wholesale."

Mrs. Potter smiled. "Not quite," she said. "I am making two
complete sets for a couple of young men who are going into the
service."

Porky felt of the soft, light yarn. "I say--that's pretty good of
you, mom. Who are your lucky friends?"

"That reminds me of something," said the Colonel. "I know a
couple of lads, about like Porky and Beany here, who have been
crazy to go across. I have been watching them for some time, and
have about made up my mind that they would be a real help to me
over there, and not a hindrance. So I have been pulling wires,
and making plans, and I think it looks as though I can take them
with me. It's just about the job you boys were joking about
wanting."