“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:—