s written her, asking her to keep
an eye on her darling, and I was to send Lucy to call. I warned her she'd
much better leave him alone, but she laughed and insisted. The telephone
was in that state, or she spoke so plainly (you know how it occasionally
happens) that anyone could have heard her even in the outer tent. When I
hung up and went out, there was the captain just saying good night to the
men, and the table and benches would not let me slip by before he turned
and saw me.

You know there are moments when eyes meet and seem to catch, and it is
difficult to pass without speaking. That is why, I am sure, the captain
said: "You are very well acquainted with Miss Wadsworth?"

I thought that here was a chance for the truth. "I ought to be," I said.
"I have been engaged to her for the past two years." And then seeing, by
the instant change in his face to one of deepest gravity, what he
supposed me to mean, I added, "She broke the engagement a month ago."

"Oh," said he, not relieved, mother, or not showing relief, but very
seriously kind, "I'm sorry, Mr. Godwin."

"Thank you, captain," I said, and got myself away. I don't mind having
told; indeed I did it deliberately, quite for the good of his peace of
mind. It's always a relief to strike one rival off the list, and if ever
he gets really interested in Vera he'll find plenty of others blocking
the way.

When I gave David Vera's message he flushed up at first with pleasure,
then remembered that an evening call would spoil a company conference,
which he has taken to attending. As usual, he looked to Knudsen for
advice, and that wily person said, "Go in the afternoon and perhaps
you'll miss her," which relieved the boy considerably. Our time is too
horribly full for social calls.

Tomorrow evening there is to be a company boxing match, one-minute
rounds, no decision given. It is said that Randall has entered, and
Pickle remarked thereupon, "I'd like to have the laying of him out." "No
fear," said Corder. "Randall is to box a man he knows, for points only,
very gently." "Yellow," said Clay. Lucy said nothing, but looked a good
deal. There actually are coming lines of firmness around his mouth.

Good-by.

DICK.

PRIVATE GODWIN TO HIS MOTHER

Plattsburg, Thursday the 21st Sept.

DEAR MOTHER:--

I am writing at about 7.30 o'clock on the range, after