tant to show you."

How he got into his dear blue clothes, G. W. never knew; but at length,
and rather unsteadily, he was walking between the nurse and his Colonel
down the aisle of the tent.

Weak cheers followed him from rows of cots. Thin hands waved him
salutes. On the whole, it was rather jolly and inspiring.

By the time he reached the door G. W. was walking more steadily, and the
strong salt air put life into him at the first breath as he came outside
in the sunlight.

"Just up this hill, now, G. W.,--can you make it?" asked the Colonel.
"Take breath, go slowly, lean heavily. The last time you and I took a
walk, comrade, I nearly bent you double. We're going to my tent."

G. W. gazed about him. A city of snowy tents under a blue, blue sky.
Water everywhere round about, dancing in the sunlight and making a great
roar as if constantly saluting the brave soldier boys who had come home
to rest. Down a hillside a troop of cavalry came galloping. The horses
were to take a plunge in the ocean, and oh! how they loved the sport.

G. W. shouted out weakly in pure delight.

"Dat's fine! Dat's fine!" he gasped, waving his thin little brown hand
as horses and riders tore past.

Then G. W. wearily asked, "Whar did you say yo' tent is, Colonel?"

"Right there, my boy."

G. W. looked.

"What's dat little tent fur, by de side ob it?"

"That's yours, G. W."

The nurse tightened her grasp of the trembling arm.

"Mine! dere's a flag a-flying on top, Colonel! An' dere's a little horse
a-pawin' in de front ob de tent-do', Colonel!"

"All yours, G. W! Let's get on if you can, my boy!"

At last the tents were reached. They entered G. W.'s. It was perfect.
Camp bed, soapbox table, flag-draped, a folding stool and all; and in
the corner stood the little gun--the precious gun that had done such
brave service for the Colonel.

"Lie down now, G. W.," said the nurse; and the child promptly obeyed. He
could take in the great scene just as well from the bed, and there was
less danger of falling all in a heap if it got too overpowering.

"My boy, there is some one waiting who wishes to see you," said Colonel
Austin, presently; "may I bring the person in?"

Five minutes later two persons instead of one entered with G. W.'s
Colonel. One glance--and G. W. knew that he was in the presence of the
Boy and his Mother! He struggled to get upon his feet, but the nurse's
hand held him back; he merely gave a wan smile, and saluted gr