“Oh! Tom, Tom, Tom, my ole man! You’ve come at last!” she sobbed as she threw her arms around his neck, drew him from the horse and fairly smothered him with kisses.
“Look out, ole woman, you’ll break my new leg!” cried Tom when he could get breath.
“I don’t care,—I’ll get you another one,” she laughed through her tears.
“Look out there again you’re smashing my game shoulder. Got er Minie ball in that one.”
“Well your mouth’s all right I see,” cried the delighted woman, as she kissed and kissed him.
“Say, Annie, don’t be so greedy, give me a chance at my young one.” Tom’s eyes were devouring the excited girl who had drawn nearer.
“Come and kiss your Pappy and tell him how glad you are to see him!” said Tom, gathering her in his arms and attempting to carry her to the house.
He stumbled and fell. In a moment the strong arms of his wife were about him and she was helping him into the house.
She laid him tenderly on the bed, petted him and cried over him. “My poor old man, he’s all shot and cut to pieces. You’re so weak, Tom—I can’t believe it. You were so strong. But we’ll take care of you. Don’t you worry. You just sleep a week and then rest all summer and watch us work the garden for you!”
He lay still for a few moments with a smile playing around his lips.