Hugh snatched the letters, sat down upon a box and then and there read them all through to the end. They told of the voyage, of Dr. Arnold’s arrival at the base hospital, of his work and his associates and the war. One of the letters, the last, made Hugh exclaim aloud in delighted happiness. It said:
“Since I have been here and have seen how things stand and have thought the matter well over, I have begun to think that there might, after all, be a place for you in this hospital work. I know that I will be sent home in the spring, for a month, on some business for the Medical Department, and it is possible—remember, I make no promises—it is possible that I may consider taking you back with me.”
Hugh looked up from his letter to tell the good news to his friend, but did not speak, so struck was he by the odd expression on Oscar’s face. His eyes shone in a way that the boy had never seen before, while there was about him the air of suppressing some excited secret.
“What is it?” Hugh cried.
