"Just a bit rough," replied Tom, "but they are all right. Some of
those very chaps who look rough and common are just heroes, you know;
they would face any kind of danger to do a pal a good turn. Perhaps
you may not think it to look at them, but their hearts are true as
gold. This war has made a wonderful difference in them."

Alice pressed his arm convulsively.

"You know that book you lent me the other day," went on Tom, "that book
of Kipling's where there is a story about a ship that found herself.
It means a lot, does that story. That's what this war has done for a
lot of us chaps, it's helped us to find ourselves."

The guard blew his whistle, and there was a slamming of doors.

"Good-bye, Alice," and Tom held her close to his heart. "The war will
be over soon, and then, please God, I will come back again."

"Yes, yes, Tom, and--and you know I will be always thinking of you, and
praying for you."

"Ay, lass, I do, that's why I'm not a bit afraid. It's not good-bye,
Alice, it's only au revoir as the French say. You will be brave, won't
you?"

"Yes, Tom," she spoke bravely, although her voice was husky; "and--and,
Tom"--this with a sob--"I shall be loving you--loving you all the time."

Slowly the train left the station. At the carriage windows hundreds of
men stood waving their hands, and shouting. They were going back to
the grim, cold trenches, going to danger, and possible death; but they
were going with brave hearts and the light of resolution in their eyes.
Amongst them was Tom. He, too, was waving his hand, although his lips
were tremulous.

"God help me to do my bit, and then take me back to her," he prayed.

Will he come back again, or will he be one of those who give their
lives for the defence of honour and home? This I know: he with a great
host of others will fight on, and hold on until victory is won, the
victory which means peace.

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Tommy, by Joseph Hocking

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