Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/231

 Rh. This is a sad ending to what might have been a lasting friendship; I confess I have learned to like you, my boy."

"And I you, Captain Fox," I responded earnestly, feeling deeply his friendliness. "My experiences of war have not made me bitter, and I know there are real men on both sides. I am simply doing my duty, as you are doing yours, and there is no enmity between us. And," in spite of every effort at control my voice faltered, "you will tell Miss Harwood how much her message of kindness meant to me."

"I certainly will, my lad—is that all? It may not be possible for me to come again."

"There is nothing else; Jackson will learn the truth through other sources—good-by, and may God guard you."

"Good-by."

Our hands clung, our eyes met, and then he turned away, without venturing to glance back; the door closed behind him, and I stood staring at it through blurred vision. I was still standing there motionless when the iron barrier opened again a few inches, and the hand of a soldier pushed a tin containing food along the floor.

"Here's your supper, Johnny," growled a voice indistinctly, "an' I guess you won't be bothered any more tonight."