"Have you heard from home?" Abe asked as they paddled on.
"Not a word," said Harry.
"You're not expecting to meet Bim Kelso?"
"That's the best part of getting home for me," said Harry, turning with a smile.
"Let her drift for a minute," said Abe. "I've got a letter from James Rutledge that I want to read to you. There's a big lesson in it for both of us—something to remember as long as we live."
Abe read the letter. Harry sat motionless. Slowly his head bent forward until his chin touched his breast.
Abe said with a tender note in his voice as he folded the letter:
"This man is well along in life. He hasn't youth to help him as you have. See how he takes it and she's the only child he has. There are millions of pretty girls in the world for you to choose from."
"I know it but there's only one Bim Kelso in the world," Harry answered mournfully. "She was the one I loved."
"Yes, but you'll find another. It looks serious but it isn't—you're so young. Hold up your head and keep going. You'll be happy again soon."