Weary, sick, desolate as he felt himself in this hour, he
remembered that many of his comrades were as he, weary, and sick and
desolate. He wondered how the major's batman felt.
"Well, Monroe," he said with an attempt at a voice of cheer, "pretty
tough go this time."
"Yes, sir, very tough," said Monroe. "I lost my chum this time," he
added after a few moments' silence.
"Poor chap," said Barry. "I'm awfully sorry for you. It's hard to leave
a friend up there."
"It is that, sir," replied Monroe, and then he added hurriedly but with
hesitation, "and if you will pardon me, sir, we all know it's awful
tough for you. The boys all feel for you, sir, believe me."
The unexpected touch of sympathy was too much for Barry's self-control.
A rush of warm tears came to his eyes and choked his voice. For some
minutes he busied himself with his undressing, but Monroe continued
speaking.
"Yes, sir, the Wapiti bunch is getting pretty small. Corporal Thom was
with me--"
"Corporal Thom!" cried Barry.
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