"Tom," said he, going over to his chum's bed, which was next to his, "Tom, I've come to talk to you."
"Yes," whispered Tom in reply. The lights were all out then, and most of the boys were fast asleep, so big Tom drew his chum's head down to his, and put his arm round his neck.
"It's the last night, Tom," said Ted in a strangled voice.
"Yes," said Tom, in a whisper.
"We've been chums for three years and more," Ted went on, "and we've never been out of friends yet. P'raps I shall get an exchange to your reg'ment yet."
"Or me to yours," answered Tom eagerly.
"I shan't have no chum now," Ted went on, taking no notice of Tom's words.
"You'll have Jack Green," said Tom.
"Yes, there'll be Jack Green, but he ain't you," Ted answered mournfully. "He'll never be my chum like you was, Tom; but if ever I've a chance of doing him a good turn, I will, 'cause you liked him."
"Will you, Ted?" eagerly.