'He's a wonderful chap. I've had my eye on him for a long time, and I haven't been able to make him out. What really aroused my interest in him was the way—but of course you know all about that, you were in that show. I never laughed so much in my life as when those Boches were brought in. Of course you know he's to get his decoration? It couldn't be helped after that Springfield affair.'
As it happened, however, I did not cross to England for several days, but stayed at a base hospital until, in the opinion of the M.O., I was fit to be removed. Meanwhile the carnage went on, and the great battle of the Somme developed according to the plans we had made, although there were some drawbacks. At length the day came when I was to go back to England, and no sooner had I stepped on board the boat than, to my delight, I saw Edgecumbe.
'I am glad to see you!' I cried.
'Thank you, sir.'
'Got it bad?'
'A mere nothing, sir. Just a bruised arm. In a few days I shall be as right as ever.'
It was a beautiful day, and as it happened the boat was not crowded. I looked for a quiet spot where we could talk.
'You didn't finish telling me your story when we met last,' I said presently. 'I want to hear it badly.'
'I want you to hear it,' was his reply, and I noted that bright look in his eyes which had so struck me before.