. I hope it wasn't she; but the
lieutenant, as he returned to us, smiled as men usually do as they think
of Vera. Look up her whereabouts and let me know.

I see the captain coming to conference. Good night,

DICK.

TELEGRAM FROM MRS. RICHARD GODWIN, SENIOR,
TO HER SON AT PLATTSBURG, DATED THURSDAY,
SEPTEMBER 14, 1916

she is taking charge of her cousins children at the plattsburg post am
writing mother.

PRIVATE GODWIN'S DAILY LETTER

Thursday, Sept. 14, 1916.

DEAR MOTHER:--

Your telegram, reaching me, made me uncomfortable at first. However, I
don't suppose I shall meet Vera, so I shall put the matter out of my
mind.

Last night there was a rain, which wakened me as it came down pretty
heavily. Knudsen, with a groan, got out of bed and put on his poncho.
"What is up?" I asked, whispering; and he, likewise trying not to wake
the others, answered, "Rain is coming in. Must fix the tent-cap." So I
got up and helped him. I did not tell you, I think, that the tent is open
at the top like a wigwam, providing perfect ventilation; but when the
rain comes in it wets the clothes hung around the poles, and also the
rifles. But a canvas cap, which in fair weather is laid back, may be
dragged over the opening by ropes hauled from below, and Knudsen and I
managed to close it. Maybe you think it was fun, falling over the
tent-ropes in the windy dark.

By daylight it was raining still, and we were ordered out in our ponchos
for the assembly. Poor Lucy has so far always been helped into his, and
stood looking at it hopelessly. "Which side is front?" As usual, Knudsen
came to his help. "The long side. No, that's inside out. Don't you see
the collar? Button it under your chin. Now button the sides of the lower
part round behind you. Fix the two remaining corners to hang down over
your hands. Now you're good for anything that may happen all day."

"All day?" demanded poor Lucy. "Do you mean to say we'll drill in the
rain?" "Shall we sit and suck our thumbs here?" demanded amused Pickle.
Knudsen, more subtle, merely remarked, "Oh, damn the weather!" and Lucy
stiffened as he got the idea that the rain wouldn't hurt him.

He is really improving. Daily he manfully shaves himself for practice
(every other day would be enough) and his early wounds are healing
nicely, while he has none of recent date.