“And then there’s him as ought to ha’ been the worst of all you three. He got burnt a deal, but it was mostly about the clothes. The padding in his uniform seemed to save him. I say—what are you going to do with yourself to-day?”

“Nothing.”

“Let me give you a shampoo and a touch up.”

Dick shook his head impatiently, and lay back, a shadow of his former self.

“You’d better!”

“Don’t worry me, Jerry! You said you had some news.”

“It’s a letter,” said the man, looking at him curiously.

“A letter?” cried Dick, starting; but the interest he took was only momentary, and his eyes half-closed again.

“Yes, a letter. I’ve had it two days, and didn’t like to give it to you before.”

“Why not?”