In the interval between his recitations Will ran to see the suffering man and learn how the issue was going, and when at last the word was received that Peter John, if no relapse occurred, was likely to recover, he felt as if a great load had been lifted from his mind. It was his first experience with the deep tragedy that, like a cloud, rests over all mankind, and in the glimmer of hope that now appeared it seemed to him that all things appeared in a new light. Even his detested Greek was not quite so bad as it previously had been, and in the reaction that came Will bent to his distasteful task with a renewed determination.
When several weeks had elapsed, and the time of the Christmas vacation was near, for the first time Will was permitted to enter the room where Peter John was sitting up in bed. It was difficult for Will to hide the shock that came when he first saw his classmate, his face wasted till it almost seemed as if the bones must protrude, his head shaved, and his general weakness so apparent as to be pathetic.
Striving to conceal his real feelings and to appear bright and cheery, Will extended his hand and said nervously: "I'm mighty glad to see you, Peter John, and so will all the fellows be. I don't think you've taken the best way of getting a vacation."
Peter John smiled in a way that almost brought the tears to Will's eyes, and said, "I'm much obliged to you, Will."
"No, you're not. We're all much obliged to you for getting well. I don't know what the track team would have done without you."
"Guess I won't bother the track team this year. That's what the doctor says.""Oh, well," said Will hastily, "that won't make any difference. You'll be all right for another year and that will do just as well."
"Say, Will," said Peter after a brief pause:
"What is it?" inquired Will kindly.
"There's something I want to say to you."
"Say it, then," laughed Will.