I think I would rather die
first, wouldn't you?"
"We can't all die first," said matter-of-fact Dudley; "somebody must be
last."
"Well, I don't think I shall be," returned Roy, "that's the best of
being weak like I am."
But this assurance brought no comfort to Dudley.
A few more labored letters came from Rob, and then one that stirred the
boys' hearts after he had been about three months away from them. It was
to say that he was going out to India in a draft, and had been allowed
three days to come and say good-bye to his friends.
Roy was almost beside himself with excitement at the prospect of seeing
him again; and when the day came, he insisted upon going to the station
by himself to meet him. Dudley perched on the garden wall awaited their
coming.
Rob was certainly improved in appearance. He held himself up bravely,
but a softened light came into his eyes, as Roy, looking whiter and more
fragile than ever, flung himself into his arms, utterly regardless of
all onlookers.
"I'm right glad to see you, Master Roy," said Rob, in a husky voice.
"Oh, Rob, you look so splendid! And you've got to be quite a man! Come
on, I'm going to drive you home, and we shall be all by ourselves.
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