"I -- " Mr. Qu'an stopped. An older man had just taken his place at a table in the front of the hall at which were seated half a dozen others.
"Quiet, please." The man waited a moment. "This Court of Honor is met in special session for awards. It is our first duty tonight -- and proud pleasure -- to award a life-saving medal. Will Tenderfoot Scout Nixie Vaughn please come forward?"
"Now, Nixie!" Charlie whispered.
Nixie jumped off the chair, trotted forward, sat at attention and saluted, trembling.