with him was on the anniversary of my
mother's death. He came to my quarters and asked to see me, told me of
my mother's goodness to him, and burst into tears before he got
through. Of course, that melted me--my mother was one of God's angels
on this earth. He is always in money troubles, and I helped him. That
brought me into contact with his wife--a woman of his own class, who
has stood by Lawrence, and is worthy, I think, to be classified with my
mother. If you could see the way that woman works for Lawrence and
their child--there's a little boy five years old,--and how she
struggles to keep him straight and sober. I had just done her a little
favor at the post trader's place, and went to her to explain it
privately. She was very grateful; you saw her put her hand on my
shoulder. The truth is, Mrs. Lawrence does not yet fully understand
her position as a private soldier's wife. What I have told you, sir,
is all, upon my honor."

"I believe you," said Colonel Fortescue, after a moment, and holding
out his hand, which Broussard grasped with a feeling of vast relief.

"The man seems to be doing pretty well, except about his money
troubles, of which I know nothing but what you tell me," went on the
Colonel. "He is one of the best aviators in the corps. Of course, his
name isn't Lawrence."

"So he admitted to me," replied Broussard, "I am all abroad concerning
his knowledge of my family. I only know that he loves my mother's
memory, that he evidently knew her well, and that his wife is an heroic
woman. I have promised her that when the little boy is old enough I
will do a good part by him. I have something besides my pay."

This "something" was of a size that made the Colonel think it was
rather a drawback to Broussard.

"I only advise you to be prudent in your intercourse with Lawrence and
his wife," said the Colonel, rising. And the interview was over.

Broussard went back with a light heart to his day's duties. The
Colonel knew the truth, and so, some day, would Anita, the little witch.

It was growing dusk when Broussard again passed the headquarters
building. The last mail had come in and the published orders were
fastened on the bulletin board. Broussard stopped to read them. The
first name mentioned was that of Lieutenant Victor Broussard, who was
detached from his present duty at Fort Blizzard and ordered on special
duty to the Philippines.

CHAPTER IV

"GOOD-BYE, SWEETHEART, G