“I’ll never forgive myself,” said Dick, with conviction.
Taylor shrugged his shoulders and moved his head as though weary of the subject.
“You’ll have to settle that with yourself; I dare say you’ll be fighting it out for the next ten years.”
Dick took up his cap, hesitated an instant, and then strode to the couch.
“Mind shaking hands?” he asked.
Taylor grinned.
“What’s the use?” he asked. “It won’t make things any better or any worse.”
“I’d rather, if you don’t mind,” replied Dick gravely.
“Oh, all right.” Taylor put out his, and the two lads clasped hands silently.
“Good-night,” said Dick, turning away. “I hope you’ll get well soon and come and help us. We need you.”