irst he was a little
intractable and denied our right to direct him, but now that we've got
it all down on a military basis, he will do anything we tell him. I
believe he would walk out of the window if I ordered him too. But I
have to put on a military coat to make him obey. We keep one on
purpose. As soon as he sees it on anybody he's as obedient as a child.
He's such a perfect gentleman, too. It's a very sad case. Here's his
room."

The doctor knocked.

"Who goes there?" cried a husky voice, which Cleary hardly recognized
as Sam's.

"A friend," answered the doctor.

"Advance, friend, and give the countersign," said the same voice.

"Old Gory!" cried the doctor, with most unmilitary emphasis, and he
opened the door and they entered.

Cleary saw what seemed to be the shadow of Sam, pale, haggard, and
emaciated, sitting in a shabby undress uniform before a large deal
table. Upon the table was a most elaborate arrangement of books and
blocks of wood, apparently representing fortifications, which were
manned by a dilapidated set of lead soldiers--the earliest treasures of
Sam's boyhood, which had been sent to him from home at his request.
Sam did not lift his eyes from the table, and moved the men about with
his hand as if he were playing a game of chess.

"Here is a friend of yours to see you, Captain," said the doctor.

Sam slowly raised his head and looked at Cleary for some time without
recognizing him. Gradually a faint smile made its appearance.

"I know you," he said in the same strained voice. "I know you.
You're----"

"Cleary," said Cleary.

"Cleary? Cleary? Let me see. Why, to be sure, you're Cleary." And he
rose from his chair unsteadily and took the hand that Cleary offered
him.

"How are you, old man? I'm so glad to see you again," said Cleary.

"And so am I," said Sam, who now seemed to be almost his old self
again. "Sit down."

Cleary drew up a chair to the table, while the doctor retired and shut
the door.

"How are you getting on?" said Cleary. "You're going to get well soon,
aren't you?"

"I am well now," said Sam. "I was awfully ill, I know that, but it all
came from my mind. I think I told you that. My heart was breaking
because I couldn't be a perfect soldier. I had to face the question and
grapple with it. It was an awful experience; I can't bear to speak of
it or even think of it. But I won. I'm a perfect soldier now! I can do
anythi