'
'That's it; even the little shavers.' He whispers, 'Why isn't Billy boy
fighting, Ellen?'
'Oh, John!'
'Is Billy boy dead?' She nods. 'Was he killed in action? Tell me, tell
me!' She nods again. 'Good for Billy boy. I knew Billy boy was all
right. Don't cry, Ellen. I'll take care of you. All's well with Billy
boy.'
'Yes, I know, John.'
He hesitates before speaking again. 'Ellen, who is the soldier? He comes
here. He is a captain.'
'He is a very gallant man, John. It is he who was married to Barbara
to-day.'
Bitterly, 'She has soon forgotten.'
His wife shakes her brave head. 'She hasn't forgotten, dear. And it's
nearly three years now since Billy died.'
'So long! We have a medal he got, haven't we?'
'No, John; he died before he could win any medals.'
The Colonel moves about, 'Karl will be sorry. They were very fond of
each other, those two boys, Ellen.'
'Karl fought against us, John. He died in the same engagement. They may
even have killed each other.'
'They hadn't known, Ellen.'
She with, thin lips, 'I daresay they knew.'
'Billy boy and Karl!'
She tells him some more gossip.
Pages:
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104